How do you go from $18,000 in debt to nearly $1 million in just six years? On the BiggerPockets Money Podcast, Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench sit down with Kate to unpack the money decisions that completely changed her financial trajectory. She shares how she tackled debt, curbed sneaky spending, built an emergency fund, grew her income through career moves, and began consistently investing in low-cost index funds.

More importantly, Kate explains how aligning her spending with what she actually values helped her build wealth without feeling like she was constantly depriving herself. If you're working toward financial independence, paying off debt, or simply trying to build better money habits, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can put to work.

To go beyond the podcast:

Interested in a Flat Fee Financial Planner? Go to https://biggerpocketsmoney.com/fipro/
Interested in Learning More About Buying a Franchise? Check out: biggerpocketsmoney.com/franzy
Get 50% Off Your First Year of Monarch by using code ‘Pockets’: https://www.monarch.com/pockets

Connect with Kate:

Website: https://www.derekateonfire.com/
Email: derekateonfire@gmail.com

We believe financial independence is attainable for anyone no matter when or where you’re starting. Let’s get your financial house in order!

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How She Went From $18K in Debt to Nearly $1 Million in 6 Years

BiggerPockets Money

How She Went From $18K in Debt to Nearly $1 Million in 6 Years