Episode #686
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Website: https://www.erickayoung.com/
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Ericka Young did what most people think is impossible—she went from 90k in debt to Coast FI with a seven-figure net worth. In this episode of the BiggerPockets Money podcast, she’s pulling back the curtain on how she did it.

What You’ll Learn:
~ How to eliminate massive debt without living in total deprivation
~ The debt snowball method in action (and why it works psychologically)
~ When to stop paying off debt and start investing aggressively
~ Investment strategies that built $2.5 million in net worth
~ The mindset shift from “getting by” to building real wealth

Perfect for: Anyone in debt who wants a realistic path to financial independence, or for people looking to accelerate their wealth-building timeline. Ericka’s a financial coach who’s been exactly where you are. Her story is proof that financial freedom isn’t reserved for high earners—it’s about strategy, discipline, and knowing when to shift gears.

00:00 From 90k in Debt to Coast FIRE
03:51 Debt Payoff Journey
06:25 Finding FIRE
10:50 Career Changes on Road to FI
13:36 Money Conversations
17:47 Reaching Coast FI ($1.5M)
19:45 Challenges of Starting a Business with a Family
23:57 The Road to $2.5M
28:21 Keep Your Mortgage for FIRE?
29:51 Future FIRE Plans
35:48 Connect with Ericka!