A few years ago, J.D. Roth was overextended on a mortgage he couldn’t afford.
He was unhappy. He was overweight. And he had $35,000 in consumer debt.
Then he turned his life around. He paid off every penny of his consumer debt. He began exercising and eating healthier foods. And he detailed all of this in a blog called Get Rich Slowly, which quickly became one of the largest personal finance websites in the world.
J.D. sold Get Rich Slowly for an undisclosed sum. (You’ll hear hints in the podcast that he sold it for millions). He walked away with enough money to be financially independent for the rest of his life.
How does transitioning from debt to financial independence change someone? What lessons can we learn from his experience?
In today’s episode, J.D. shares that journey.
Roy Lagro @ Band of Savers
Wow, that one makes you think a ton. After listening to J.D.’s “What would you do if you only had 6 months to live” question I had to take a break and think about it. I don’t enjoy my job or where I’m at in life all that much. I think and dream about all of the things that I plan to do in my early retirement way too much. But if I knew that I only had 6 months to live I doubt that I would change much, other than making sure to use up all of my vacation right before so that I could visit my family and die near them.
But that then made me question why I wouldn’t just quit my job and go off and enjoy the time I had left trying to experience as much as I could in those 6 months. I came to the conclusions that I have put so much effort into trying to set up my family to be financially free that I couldn’t imagine putting their future in jeopardy so that I could enjoy that time more. If I left my job they would lose 6 months of my wages plus the life insurance that my company purchases for us, both of which would go a long way to sustaining them when I’m gone.
So this actually made me feel better about my current situations and career path. Thanks for helping to make my day better.
J. Money
Oh wow man, what introspection! And what a family man! Even knowing you’re about to die soon you put your family first like that – I am impressed 🙂 And wouldn’t have even thought about that regarding quitting your job but it’s so true… You don’t want to hurt those counting on you right before you leave! You want to love and help and make sure everyone is fine! Love it man… now you’ve got ME thinking 🙂
jlcollinsnh
Great interview with a good and insightful guy. I keep backtracking to listen to parts over again. Like those last stages, as I am right now!
Plus the chemistry between Paula and J$ just keeps getting better. Well done!
J. Money
Hey, thanks man – that means a lot. So glad you’re enjoying it 🙂 And a great set of thinking questions from J.D. too! I know he goes deep inside it on his blog too – you should check it out when you get a chance.
John Klabunde
Hey Paula and JD Roth, this has to do with your idea of save 50 percent. I have the sauce to answer your question of ” What does it take for people to get to the 50 percent savings”. My opinion is, ” PEOPLE HAVE TO GET USED TO BEING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE” . Making changes is going to be uncomfortable, embrace it. I am 52 so I just want to say this whole crazy idea is not just for you young whipper snappers. FI just happened for me with this same save 50percent idea. Sorry Jay , I have some idea’s for you too….. another time, John
Danny
I really enjoyed this episode, cracked me up when he turned the tables on you. Have been trying to catch up on all of them since finding the site.
Bearded Money Guy
Hi Paula and J$ – I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE your show. I’ve been “binging” for the past several weeks and listened to a lot of episodes, including this one, on a recent road trip to visit family.
I scrolled ahead to see that J$ exits the show after episode 26. 🙁
I realize I’m still way behind, but looking forward to all you have to share in the coming episodes. Keep up the great work!
BMG