171: Putting Happiness Over a Bigger Paycheck with Brandon Richard Austin

Most people would consider $80,000 a year a respectable salary, but what if you were making that much during college? That’s what today’s guest, Brandon Richard Austin, made in his sophomore year. As a journalism major, he started doing freelance writing work, and a client of his ended up offering him a remote position on the team. 

So there Brandon was, making $80,000 a year, working 12 hour days, all while juggling school at the same time. Thankfully, Brandon wasn’t a big spender. He didn’t go out and buy a new car, a new watch, or even move out of his parents’ house.

Brandon was able to start investing in index funds and early cryptocurrencies, netting him some pretty stable returns (at least from the index funds). After completing college and still having a very low cost of living, Brandon asked himself if the job was worth all the stress. He decided it wasn’t and voluntarily chose to take a pay cut to work somewhere else where he was happier and had more control of his work.

Brandon still lives at home and advocates doing the same for people his age. Not having a housing cost (or having very low housing costs) is one of the best ways to put yourself on the path to financial freedom. This low cost of living situation has allowed Brandon to be on the path to financial independence while still valuing his happiness.

In This Episode We Cover

• Why many people who grew up frugal feel guilt when spending money 
• The importance of tracking your little purchases so they don’t add up
• Whether or not taking a pay cut is worth less stress/more freedom
• Why index funds are such a great asset to hold for the long term
• Setting your financial freedom goal and seeing it as a marathon, not a race
• Minimizing your housing costs as much as possible (especially when you’re young)
• Developing an investment philosophy that speaks to you
• And So Much More!

Check the full show notes here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/moneyshow171

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