Should you pay off all your debt before investing? Or is that costing you years of financial freedom?
In this episode, we're tackling the debate that divides the FIRE community: aggressive debt payoff versus strategic debt management. We break down two real case studies to show you exactly when to prioritize debt payoff and when to invest alongside debt. You'll discover:
The interest rate threshold where investing beats debt payoff (and why it matters)
Student loan strategies that most people get completely wrong
How to calculate whether you should pay off debt or invest
Two detailed case studies with specific recommendations you can apply to your situation
This isn't about telling you debt is good or bad—it's about giving you the framework to make the right decision for YOUR financial situation. Whether you're drowning in debt or debt-free and wondering if you made the right call, this episode will change how you think about the relationship between debt and building wealth.
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$90K in Debt to Coast FI with $1.5M (Here's the Blueprint)
Ericka Young did what most people think is impossible—she went from 90k in debt to Coast FI with a seven-figure net worth. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, she's pulling back the curtain on how she did it.
What You'll Learn:
How to eliminate massive debt without living in total deprivation
The debt snowball method in action (and why it works psychologically)
When to stop paying off debt and start investing aggressively
Investment strategies that built $2.5 million in net worth
The mindset shift from "getting by" to building real wealth
Perfect for: Anyone in debt who wants a realistic path to financial independence, or for people looking to accelerate their wealth-building timeline. Ericka's a financial coach who's been exactly where you are. Her story is proof that financial freedom isn't reserved for high earners—it's about strategy, discipline, and knowing when to shift gears.
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The FIRE Movement Is Dead! (What You Need to Know)
Is the FIRE movement dead? In 2025, more people are catching on to the huge downsides of pursuing financial independence, retire early. Strict frugality, massive sacrifice, working harder than ever…is it really worth it to retire decades before everyone else? If you’re internally screaming, “Yes! Of course it is!” you’re in good company. Today, we’re talking about why FIRE is NOT dead in 2025 but why most Americans won’t achieve it.
It’s easy to claim that the FIRE movement is dead in 2025 when inflation has been high, savings rates are low, and there’s economic uncertainty all around. The problem? Almost all of that can be easily factored into your FIRE plan, and with some sacrifices, you could easily retire early in five, ten, or fifteen years. So, if FIRE is still possible, what must the average person do to achieve it?
We’ll discuss the mindset shift you must undergo to reach financial independence, the sacrifices you must prepare for, and what we would have done differently on our own paths to FIRE. Achieving financial freedom doesn’t need to be an all-out grind with zero enjoyment. Even if you make minor money moves today, you could be retiring YEARS earlier than you thought possible!
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The All Out Approach to Achieve FIRE in Your 30s (Median Income Earner)
In this BiggerPockets Money episode, we break down the all-out approach to reaching Financial Independence and Retiring Early in your 30s. No tech salary required, no inheritance, no luck. Just aggressive saving, smart investing, and a willingness to optimize every dollar.
We'll cover:
The exact savings rate you need to hit FIRE in your 30’s
How to maximize income without changing careers
Where to cut expenses without feeling deprived
Investment strategies that accelerate your timeline
The lifestyle trade-offs that actually matter
Real numbers: What it takes to build a $500K-$750K portfolio on $50K-$70K/year
Whether you're just starting your FI journey or you're years in and wondering if you're on track, this episode gives you the honest roadmap to early retirement—no matter your starting salary.
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Did She Already Reach Coast FI at 46? (Finance Friday)
In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, hosts Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench tackle two pivotal financial decisions with their guest, Kristel. Has she already achieved Coast FI without realizing it? And should she keep her current house or sell it to accelerate her path to financial independence?
Kristel opens up about her journey from a frugal upbringing to building an impressive $1.32 million net worth. Mindy and Scott dig deep into her numbers—dissecting her assets, income streams, and monthly expenses—to give Kristel options for her ideal FIRE life. From house hacking opportunities to smart investment moves and strategic part-time work, this episode delivers actionable insights for anyone navigating their own FI journey.
This Episode Covers:
How Kristel built $1.32M
Her current income, expenses, and savings rate
Her financial independence goals and timeline
House hacking opportunities to reduce housing costs
Investment strategy options for her portfolio
Is Kristel Coast FI? With help from The Fioneers Coast FI calculator
Part-time work options to bridge the gap to full FI
Tax optimization and withdrawal strategies
And SO much more!
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For those who have money… or want more of it!
Join Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench (from BiggerPocketsMoney.com) weekly for the BiggerPockets Money Podcast. Each week, financial experts Mindy and Scott interview unique and powerful thought leaders about how to earn more, keep more, spend smarter, and grow wealth.
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