Q&A: Tackling Listener Questions | Bill & Jackie | 155

You asked and we answered! In this episode we tackle listener questions with more than just a one-sentence response… we go deeper and give you answers with our thoughtful insights, ideas and considerations important to late starters. These are the questions we cover on today's show:   ✅ Bill's costly mistake with whole-life insurance; what should you do instead? ✅ How does the $19,000 annual gift tax exclusion work? ✅ Do I have too much in cash as I'm approaching retirement? ✅ I'm new to investing and pay someone to manage my 401(k). I also want to start a Roth IRA, is now a good time? ✅ What if you're low income and can barely save, how do you move the needle? ✅ What is the middle class trap?   📩 Sign up for our newsletter  NEW! 🌐 Visit Catching Up to FI website  🔗Connect with us ☕ Like what you hear on Catching Up to FI? Support the show at "Buy Me a Coffee"    🎙️We love hearing from you! Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question Record a Voice Message with your feedback or question   ===DEALS & DISCOUNTS FROM OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS=== 🎓 Student Loan Planner: Get a custom student loan plan from our CFP®, CFA and CSLP® professionals. They charge a one-time fee for their thorough review. Our listeners receive $100 off a 1:1 consult using the link below. Flat fee is normally $595, but after your $100 off 'Catching Up to FI' discount, it's $495. 👉🏼 Be sure to use this link: studentloanplanner.com/catchingup    📈 Boldin (formerly NewRetirement): Retirement planning software that's like having a financial advisor at your fingertips. You can get started with the free version or choose the premium option (PlannerPlus) and get a 14-day free trial.   👉🏼 Be sure to use this link to get started:  Go.boldin.com/catchingup   Personal Finance Club: Use code CUTOFI to get $30 OFF any course or PFC investing course only   Nectarine: Advice-Only and Flat-Fee Hourly Fiduciary Financial Advisors (Catching Up to FI will be compensated by Nectarine if you use our affiliate link, which creates an incentive and conflict of interest. We are not current clients or employees of Nectarine.)   For a full list of current deals and discounts from our partners, sponsors and affiliates, click here: catchinguptofi.com/our-partners   RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THE SHOW: (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) 📕F.I.R.E. For Dummies by Jackie Cummings Koski 📗The Wealth Ladder by Nick Maggiulli Podcast episode with Nick Maggiulli coming July 27th, 2025 Rebel Finance School Portfolio Visualizer   ⏰ 'Catching Up to FI' Episodes referenced A Boat Named YOLO | Bill Yount | 001 From Poverty to Wealth and Early Retirement | Jackie Cummings Koski | 007 SpongeBob and Drawdown Strategies | Frank Vasquez | 044  Life & Taxes | Sean Mullaney | 013 72(t) Expert Tells All: No More Secrets About Early Withdrawals (Part 1) | Bill Stecker | 131 Cashing in on 72(t): The Goldmine of Early Retirement Rules (Part2) | Bill Stecker | 133   If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show on your podcast player and leave us a rating or review. If you want to watch, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. This helps others find the show and keeps us creating great content for you!   ⚠️Disclaimer: Our content is for general education and information purposes only. We are not providing financial, legal, or tax advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional before making important decisions.