June 24, 2025

#252 - FIRE for Dummies Author Jackie Cummings Koski on Financial Independence

#252 - FIRE for Dummies Author Jackie Cummings Koski on Financial Independence

Host Brad Wright is joined by Jackie Cummings Koski.

Jackie is the author of FIRE for Dummies and co-host of the Catching Up to FI podcast, focused on financial independence for late starters. She serves as Chapter President of FPA Southwestern Ohio and is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and education. With a master’s degree in financial planning and financial therapy, Jackie shares her personal journey from poverty to financial independence—retiring at age 49—and her mission to help others do the same.

They discuss:

  • Jackie’s financial journey and how she discovered FIRE

  • Why she hands out $2 bills to students and audiences

  • Her experience writing FIRE for Dummies and who the book is really for

  • The origins and growth of the Catching Up to FI podcast

  • Her role as FPA Chapter President and how she's helping reshape the profession

  • Financial literacy efforts including a Roth IRA pilot for underserved youth

And much more.

Contact Jackie:
📘 Book: FIRE for Dummies
🎙 Podcast: catchinguptofi.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Jackie Cummings Koski
🌐 FPA Southwestern Ohio Chapter: fpaswo.org