After overcoming poverty, divorce and single motherhood, Jackie still reached Financial Independence and Retired Early (FIRE) in her 40s, making less than six figures. Even with a late start, she officially retired from her corporate job in 2019 at the age of 49 with a net worth of over $1 million. In a provocative mainstage EconoMe talk (2020) titled, “Unveiling My Real Numbers Behind FIREing”, she rejects the taboo of talking about money by transparently sharing her own numbers.
She was featured on the Emmy award-winning Rachael Ray Show, and her fascinating FIRE journey was chronicled on both CNBC Make It and MarketWatch FIRE Starters. Her personal finance tips have also appeared on CNBC, Forbes, Business Insider, People and Real Simple magazine.
Jackie is author of the award winning book “Money Letters 2 my Daughter” and currently working on her new book, “F.I.R.E. for Dummies” with Wiley Publishing. She holds the Certified Financial Planner® and Accredited Financial Counselor® credentials, and earned her master’s degree in financial planning & financial therapy from Kansas State University.
