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
Ho ... Show More
Yesterday
The Messy Middle of Financial Independence (How to Stay Motivated)
The “messy middle” is the longest—and hardest—phase of the financial independence (FIRE) journey. It’s where progress feels slow, motivation dips, and burnout can creep in. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, Mindy Jensen and Carl Jensen (our guest host for today) ... Show More
33 m
Apr 24
From $69K Debt to Financial Independence in NYC
Kim Hunter Borst didn’t start her financial independence journey in New York City—but it’s where everything changed. After building a high-income life, she and her husband found themselves $69,000 in debt from lifestyle inflation. Instead of leaving NYC, they got intentional—cutt ... Show More
31m 16s
Apr 23
Paula Pant Quit Her Job with $25K (Now She’s FI in NYC)
Paula quit her $32,000 job in 2008—before she’d ever heard of the FIRE movement—with just $25,000 saved to travel the world. When she came back, she started freelancing and made a pivotal decision: buying a triplex and house hacking. That one move changed everything. Today, she’s ... Show More
33m 43s
Aug 2025
Late Starter’s Guide to Real Estate (Start in Your 40s!)
Is it too late to invest in real estate if you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s? No! Today, we’re giving you the exact blueprint to retire in 10-15 years, even if you’re starting in your 50s with a median income and average savings. Got a small sum stashed for retirement and looking t ... Show More
40m 25s
Apr 2024
Average 401(k) Balance by Age (2024 Edition)
Are you doing better than the average American at saving in your 401(k)? We'll talk about basics of a 401(k), including new limits, employer matches, and vesting schedules, how many millionaires are created by 401(k)s, and of course the average 401(k) balance by age.
Jump star ... Show More
38m 56s
Oct 2025
Is $2M Enough to Retire at 40? | Making a Millionaire
Emily and Kenji grew up with very little and now (at 34 and 36) they’ve built a $2M net worth and a plan to be work-optional by 40. We pressure-test their CoastFIRE math, reveal why a $1M taxable bridge can still come up short, and show how solo 401(k)s, backdoor Roth conversions ... Show More
48m 55s