Afford Anything

  • Start Here
    • About
    • Team Afford Anything
    • Media
    • Questions?
  • Blog
    • Binge
  • Podcast
    • Binge
    • Sponsors
    • Ask a Question
    • Guest Guidelines
  • Community
  • TV
  • Explore
    • Your First Rental Property
    • Travel
    • Start a Blog
    • Earn Extra Income

October 17, 2025By Paula Pant

#652: Why High Earners Stay Broke – with Rose Han

Rose Han and Paula Pant took a selfie after the interviewWhat if you did everything “right”, earned the degree, landed the six-figure job, and still felt broke?

That’s exactly where Rose Han found herself. Fresh out of NYU with a finance degree and a Wall Street paycheck, she had a negative net worth, mounting stress, and a sinking feeling that traditional success wasn’t the path to freedom.

In this conversation, Rose shares how she broke out of that cycle and built a seven-figure business that gives her time, independence, and peace of mind. We explore how she reframed her relationship with money, learned to scale her income, and built a life that aligns with her values.

Key Takeaways

  • When a “side hustle” becomes just a second job
  • How your uniqueness is your greatest asset
  • The slow season that led to a million-dollar leap

Resources and Links

  • Rose Han on YouTube
  • Add a Zero by Rose Han

Chapters

Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising segments. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths.

(0:00) Rose Han’s story begins: doing everything right yet still ending up broke
(5:45) The Cancun moment that sparked Rose’s financial awakening
(9:12) Discovering the three types of income and why some buy freedom while others don’t
(13:45) How Rose Han built her “Add a Zero” framework for lasting wealth
(21:30) From employee mindset to entrepreneur mindset
(25:15) The three levels of leverage and how to scale your income
(28:55) Why not every side hustle creates freedom
(31:45) Overcoming the fear of selling
(39:16) How to build a business while working full-time
(47:10) Rose’s real estate lessons and the myth of passive income
(53:55) Knowing when to walk away from an investment
(1:10:15) What financial freedom really means and how to find your own version

subscribe on android afford anything


Thanks to our sponsors!

Policy Genius
Secure your family’s future with Policygenius. Head to policygenius.com to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.


MasterClass
With MasterClass you can learn from the best to become your best. Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/afford.


Shopify
Sign up for your one month, one dollar per month trial period and start selling today at shopify.com/paula


Indeed
If you’re looking for amazing talent to bolster your team, you need Indeed. Go to indeed.com/paula and start hiring with a seventy-five dollar sponsored job credit.


Wayfair
Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

#651: Q&A: Everyone Says Don't Hold Bonds in Taxable Accounts. They're Wrong
Next Older Episode »

Posted in: Entrepreneurship, Episodes, InvestingTagged in: building wealth, debt, entrepreneurship, financial freedom, Rose Han, side hustle

Most Popular

Inflation, Illustrated
How Much is Enough?
What if We Quit Setting Goals? (Seriously?)
The Incredible Power of 10x Thinking
  • Binge
  • Questions?
  • Contact
Join 70,000+ subscribers who get free email updates.

© 2021 Afford Anything. Designed By Wilnau Design. Built by Zach Swinehart. Disclosure

© Copyright 2011 – 2025 Afford Anything. All Rights Reserved.

Website by Zach Swinehart.

  • Start Here
    • About
    • Team Afford Anything
    • Media
    • Questions?
  • Blog
    • Binge
  • Podcast
    • Binge
    • Sponsors
    • Ask a Question
    • Guest Guidelines
  • Community
  • TV
  • Explore
    • Your First Rental Property
    • Travel
    • Start a Blog
    • Earn Extra Income

Afford Anything

  • Start Here
    • About
    • Team Afford Anything
    • Media
    • Questions?
  • Blog
    • Binge
  • Podcast
    • Binge
    • Sponsors
    • Ask a Question
    • Guest Guidelines
  • Community
  • TV
  • Explore
    • Your First Rental Property
    • Travel
    • Start a Blog
    • Earn Extra Income