BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Episode: "How We Built a $1M Net Worth by 32 (Step-by-Step Breakdown)"

Date: February 3, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Jensen & Scott Trench
Guest: Trevor

Episode Overview

This episode highlights the journey of Trevor and his wife, who surpassed the $1 million net worth milestone by age 32. Trevor’s path wasn't a typical fast-track, high-income story, but rather a testament to strategic career choices, real estate investing, aggressive savings, and taking full advantage of corporate benefits. The episode serves as a practical roadmap for listeners serious about achieving FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early), emphasizing flexibility, frugality, and saying yes to opportunities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Foundations and Mindset Shifts

Reading "The Millionaire Next Door": Trevor’s interest in personal finance was sparked in college. The book highlighted that wealth accumulation is possible for ordinary earners, not just high-income professionals.

"You didn't have to have a million dollar a year job... you could do it as a normal person." – Trevor [00:55]
Starting Net Worth: Graduated college with a $1,000 net worth and zero debt.

"I was grateful that I didn't have any debt when I graduated, but my net worth was about $1,000." – Trevor [01:24]

2. Early Career: Saving Aggressively & Flexibility

First Years Post-College: With wife in grad school, prioritized maxing out 401k & Roth IRA. Focused on avoiding debt and living extremely frugally (old cars, minimal expenses outside of prioritized travel).
Massive Savings Rate: After wife finished schooling, managed to save 75-80% of income for 6–9 months in 2018, setting aside ~$60k.

“We had a savings rate of close to 75, 80%... we managed to save right around 60k in six to nine months.” – Trevor [02:59]

3. Leveraging Corporate Benefits and Mobility

Understanding Benefits: Trevor actively educated himself about every possible company benefit, including 401k matches, medical, relocation perks, and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP).
Saying 'Yes' to Relocation: Unlike most peers, Trevor signaled to management his willingness to move, which led to fast-tracked opportunities and increasing income.

“I told leadership, hey, I'm interested in working overseas, I'm interested in moving, I'm mobile, give me a good challenge...” – Trevor [03:44]
Arbitraging ESPP: Both Scott and Trevor stress the 'free money' of ESPP, lament how underutilized it is, and urge listeners to build the flexibility to take advantage of such opportunities.

"It's free money. It's like taking the 401k match." – Scott Trench [08:10]

4. Real Estate Investing — House Hacking & DIY

First Property: Upon relocating to Pittsburgh in 2019, Trevor’s company paid for his housing. He used this as a springboard to buy a distressed triplex for $220k, invested $35k in renovations (mostly DIY), and increased rental value substantially.

"My company's paying for my housing... If I buy a house and everything goes poorly with it, I can cover the mortgage." – Trevor [14:34]
DIY Mentality: Dedicating evenings and weekends to renovations grew both sweat equity and skillset.

"I'm kind of like a do it yourself kind of person... spent 15 months working on the top unit and then the middle unit." – Trevor [17:18]
Transition to Chicago: Took a lateral move to a higher cost-of-living area, again leveraging a generous relocation package ($40k in moving benefits).

5. Career Progression and Strategic Moves

Parallel Move to Sales: Moved into a sales role offering higher bonus potential without sacrificing base salary due to internal transfer. Noted significant base salary differences between internal transfers and external hires.
Embracing 'Luck': Trevor acknowledges both luck and initiative shaped his outcomes:

“Sometimes you’re lucky. But if your fundamentals are strong... some things are going to hit right.” – Trevor [23:06]
Trading Up in Real Estate: Purchased and fully renovated a 1960s home in Chicago; optimized costs by working with licensed professionals for electrical work while DIY-ing what he could.

6. Timing the Market & International Experience

Strategic Exits: Sold both Pittsburgh and Chicago properties in 2022 at strong market highs—built net worth and minimized landlord stress before moving abroad.

“We bought for 220k... sold at 365. Chicago: bought for 300k, put in 75k, sold for 440k.” – Trevor [34:18]
Moving to Sweden: Sought out international experience—not for highest earnings, but life value. Accepted a lower salary (~$85k after currency fluctuation, heavy taxation). Significant reduction in take-home, but childcare costs nearly eliminated by generous Swedish policy ($120/month).
Philosophy Shift: Willingly delayed FIRE date to pursue meaningful life experiences—“coast FI.”

“We were coast FI at this point and we were comfortable delaying our actual FIRE day to have this experience.” – Trevor [39:43]

7. Navigating Career Setbacks & Resilience

Using FI as Leverage: A strong financial position gave Trevor the confidence to speak openly with (and eventually oppose) leadership when values didn’t align.

"Just being able to have FU money... I was able to morally stand up to leadership at times where I didn't feel comfortable..." – Trevor [43:55]
Exit from Sweden: After a layoff/disagreement with his director, leveraged expat moving benefits to return to the U.S. with a six-month severance, full relocation paid, and time off after their second child.

8. Building Long-Term Financial Stability in the U.S.

Return to States: Landed a lucrative job—$145k base, $25k signing bonus, 16% bonus targets, 20–30k RSU grants, 6% 401k match, and HSA contributions.

“My net worth coming back from Europe was around 800k.” – Trevor [46:42]
Shifting Priorities: With two kids, focus pivots from aggressive accumulation to maintaining a comfortable lifestyle, maxing retirement accounts, and family priorities.

"We're focused on just having a comfortable lifestyle. I'm maxing out my 401k every year, my IRA, my Roth IRA..." – Trevor [48:54]
Reflection on the FI journey: The aggressive hustle phase gave way to balance:

“I'm tired with the two kids... Now I’m focused on work, being there for my family, playing pickleball, and traveling.” – Trevor [51:13]

Major Takeaways & Summarizing Insights

Proactivity & Flexibility Are Superpowers

"Everybody has opportunities. Everybody listening to the show has opportunities. And it's when you say, 'Oh, I couldn’t do that,' that you shut the door on those opportunities." – Mindy Jensen [56:00]
Building financial 'optionality' lets you seize unexpected or unconventional chances—across careers, geography, or investments.

Take Full Advantage of What’s in Front of You

Many people ignore lucrative, low-hanging benefits at work (ESPP, relocation packages, etc.).
Don’t be afraid to move for opportunity—especially early in your career or pre-children.

Adaptability at Life Stages

There’s a natural evolution: grind hard and save massively when young, then taper to balance as life demands shift (family, children, etc.).
“Coast FI” and intentional lifestyle design are valid, empowering choices.

Frugality + Earning Power = Wealth Accumulation

Success wasn’t built solely on investments but on a marriage of extreme savings rates, value-driven spending, strategic real estate moves, and maximizing employer perks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On starting out:
"I remember starting my job and just hoping that I could, you know, had enough money to make it for my first paycheck." – Trevor [01:24]
On flexibility:
“Flexibility is the primary way to ramp up your income.” – Scott Trench [04:45]
On corporate benefits:
“If you don’t know what opportunities your company has, go talk to HR.” – Mindy Jensen [12:48]
On luck and fundamentals:
“If your fundamentals are strong and you’re keeping your cost of living low, saving, and taking chances on investments, some things are going to hit right.” – Trevor [23:06]
On life design:
“We were comfortable delaying our actual FIRE day to have this experience.” – Trevor [39:43]
On taking responsible risks:
"I'm glad that I took the risk... it was the right play to make." – Trevor [45:43]
On leveraging FI for confidence:
"Being able to have FU money... I was able to morally stand up to leadership at times where I didn't feel comfortable..." – Trevor [43:55]
Final advice:
"Life is worth living, so live it on the journey." – Mindy Jensen [51:49]

Key Timeline (w/ Timestamps)

[00:55] – Discovering "Millionaire Next Door" and shifting mindset
[02:59] – Hitting an 80% savings rate and accumulating seed capital
[03:44] – Embracing mobility, landing Pittsburgh position, and leveraging company benefits
[07:23] – Maximizing ESPP when few colleagues do
[14:34] – Buying first triplex property, DIY renovation phase
[22:17] – Observing the salary/bonus structure of internal vs. external hires
[34:18] – Successfully timing the market with property sales before international move
[39:43] – Achieving “coast FI” and choosing experiences in Sweden over maximizing FI speed
[43:55] – Using financial stability for autonomy and negotiating power at work
[46:42] – Returning to the U.S. with a substantial net worth and stepping up to a high-earning role
[48:54] – Emphasizing balance and comfort over acceleration in FI post-kids

Conclusion & Call to Action

Trevor’s story is a message to all listeners:

Build the strongest financial foundation you can early on
Say yes to opportunities, especially the ones others overlook
Flexibility—geographic, professional, and lifestyle—can multiply your net worth and experiences
Live with intention, adapting your pace and goals as life evolves
Enjoy the journey, not just the destination

Challenge from Mindy Jensen:
"What opportunities have you not said yes to in the past? And how can you position yourself so that you can say yes to opportunities in the future?" [56:00]

For more resources, tools, and future episodes, visit BiggerPocketsMoney.com.

BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Episode: "How We Built a $1M Net Worth by 32 (Step-by-Step Breakdown)"

Date: February 3, 2026
Hosts: Mindy Jensen & Scott Trench
Guest: Trevor

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Foundations and Mindset Shifts

Reading "The Millionaire Next Door": Trevor’s interest in personal finance was sparked in college. The book highlighted that wealth accumulation is possible for ordinary earners, not just high-income professionals.

"You didn't have to have a million dollar a year job... you could do it as a normal person." – Trevor [00:55]
Starting Net Worth: Graduated college with a $1,000 net worth and zero debt.

"I was grateful that I didn't have any debt when I graduated, but my net worth was about $1,000." – Trevor [01:24]

2. Early Career: Saving Aggressively & Flexibility

First Years Post-College: With wife in grad school, prioritized maxing out 401k & Roth IRA. Focused on avoiding debt and living extremely frugally (old cars, minimal expenses outside of prioritized travel).
Massive Savings Rate: After wife finished schooling, managed to save 75-80% of income for 6–9 months in 2018, setting aside ~$60k.

“We had a savings rate of close to 75, 80%... we managed to save right around 60k in six to nine months.” – Trevor [02:59]

3. Leveraging Corporate Benefits and Mobility

Understanding Benefits: Trevor actively educated himself about every possible company benefit, including 401k matches, medical, relocation perks, and Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP).
Saying 'Yes' to Relocation: Unlike most peers, Trevor signaled to management his willingness to move, which led to fast-tracked opportunities and increasing income.

“I told leadership, hey, I'm interested in working overseas, I'm interested in moving, I'm mobile, give me a good challenge...” – Trevor [03:44]
Arbitraging ESPP: Both Scott and Trevor stress the 'free money' of ESPP, lament how underutilized it is, and urge listeners to build the flexibility to take advantage of such opportunities.

"It's free money. It's like taking the 401k match." – Scott Trench [08:10]

4. Real Estate Investing — House Hacking & DIY

First Property: Upon relocating to Pittsburgh in 2019, Trevor’s company paid for his housing. He used this as a springboard to buy a distressed triplex for $220k, invested $35k in renovations (mostly DIY), and increased rental value substantially.

"My company's paying for my housing... If I buy a house and everything goes poorly with it, I can cover the mortgage." – Trevor [14:34]
DIY Mentality: Dedicating evenings and weekends to renovations grew both sweat equity and skillset.

"I'm kind of like a do it yourself kind of person... spent 15 months working on the top unit and then the middle unit." – Trevor [17:18]
Transition to Chicago: Took a lateral move to a higher cost-of-living area, again leveraging a generous relocation package ($40k in moving benefits).

5. Career Progression and Strategic Moves

Parallel Move to Sales: Moved into a sales role offering higher bonus potential without sacrificing base salary due to internal transfer. Noted significant base salary differences between internal transfers and external hires.
Embracing 'Luck': Trevor acknowledges both luck and initiative shaped his outcomes:

“Sometimes you’re lucky. But if your fundamentals are strong... some things are going to hit right.” – Trevor [23:06]
Trading Up in Real Estate: Purchased and fully renovated a 1960s home in Chicago; optimized costs by working with licensed professionals for electrical work while DIY-ing what he could.

6. Timing the Market & International Experience

Strategic Exits: Sold both Pittsburgh and Chicago properties in 2022 at strong market highs—built net worth and minimized landlord stress before moving abroad.

“We bought for 220k... sold at 365. Chicago: bought for 300k, put in 75k, sold for 440k.” – Trevor [34:18]
Moving to Sweden: Sought out international experience—not for highest earnings, but life value. Accepted a lower salary (~$85k after currency fluctuation, heavy taxation). Significant reduction in take-home, but childcare costs nearly eliminated by generous Swedish policy ($120/month).
Philosophy Shift: Willingly delayed FIRE date to pursue meaningful life experiences—“coast FI.”

“We were coast FI at this point and we were comfortable delaying our actual FIRE day to have this experience.” – Trevor [39:43]

7. Navigating Career Setbacks & Resilience

Using FI as Leverage: A strong financial position gave Trevor the confidence to speak openly with (and eventually oppose) leadership when values didn’t align.

"Just being able to have FU money... I was able to morally stand up to leadership at times where I didn't feel comfortable..." – Trevor [43:55]
Exit from Sweden: After a layoff/disagreement with his director, leveraged expat moving benefits to return to the U.S. with a six-month severance, full relocation paid, and time off after their second child.

8. Building Long-Term Financial Stability in the U.S.

Return to States: Landed a lucrative job—$145k base, $25k signing bonus, 16% bonus targets, 20–30k RSU grants, 6% 401k match, and HSA contributions.

“My net worth coming back from Europe was around 800k.” – Trevor [46:42]
Shifting Priorities: With two kids, focus pivots from aggressive accumulation to maintaining a comfortable lifestyle, maxing retirement accounts, and family priorities.

"We're focused on just having a comfortable lifestyle. I'm maxing out my 401k every year, my IRA, my Roth IRA..." – Trevor [48:54]
Reflection on the FI journey: The aggressive hustle phase gave way to balance:

“I'm tired with the two kids... Now I’m focused on work, being there for my family, playing pickleball, and traveling.” – Trevor [51:13]

Major Takeaways & Summarizing Insights

Proactivity & Flexibility Are Superpowers

"Everybody has opportunities. Everybody listening to the show has opportunities. And it's when you say, 'Oh, I couldn’t do that,' that you shut the door on those opportunities." – Mindy Jensen [56:00]
Building financial 'optionality' lets you seize unexpected or unconventional chances—across careers, geography, or investments.

Take Full Advantage of What’s in Front of You

Many people ignore lucrative, low-hanging benefits at work (ESPP, relocation packages, etc.).
Don’t be afraid to move for opportunity—especially early in your career or pre-children.

Adaptability at Life Stages

There’s a natural evolution: grind hard and save massively when young, then taper to balance as life demands shift (family, children, etc.).
“Coast FI” and intentional lifestyle design are valid, empowering choices.

Frugality + Earning Power = Wealth Accumulation

Success wasn’t built solely on investments but on a marriage of extreme savings rates, value-driven spending, strategic real estate moves, and maximizing employer perks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On starting out:
"I remember starting my job and just hoping that I could, you know, had enough money to make it for my first paycheck." – Trevor [01:24]
On flexibility:
“Flexibility is the primary way to ramp up your income.” – Scott Trench [04:45]
On corporate benefits:
“If you don’t know what opportunities your company has, go talk to HR.” – Mindy Jensen [12:48]
On luck and fundamentals:
“If your fundamentals are strong and you’re keeping your cost of living low, saving, and taking chances on investments, some things are going to hit right.” – Trevor [23:06]
On life design:
“We were comfortable delaying our actual FIRE day to have this experience.” – Trevor [39:43]
On taking responsible risks:
"I'm glad that I took the risk... it was the right play to make." – Trevor [45:43]
On leveraging FI for confidence:
"Being able to have FU money... I was able to morally stand up to leadership at times where I didn't feel comfortable..." – Trevor [43:55]
Final advice:
"Life is worth living, so live it on the journey." – Mindy Jensen [51:49]

Key Timeline (w/ Timestamps)

[00:55] – Discovering "Millionaire Next Door" and shifting mindset
[02:59] – Hitting an 80% savings rate and accumulating seed capital
[03:44] – Embracing mobility, landing Pittsburgh position, and leveraging company benefits
[07:23] – Maximizing ESPP when few colleagues do
[14:34] – Buying first triplex property, DIY renovation phase
[22:17] – Observing the salary/bonus structure of internal vs. external hires
[34:18] – Successfully timing the market with property sales before international move
[39:43] – Achieving “coast FI” and choosing experiences in Sweden over maximizing FI speed
[43:55] – Using financial stability for autonomy and negotiating power at work
[46:42] – Returning to the U.S. with a substantial net worth and stepping up to a high-earning role
[48:54] – Emphasizing balance and comfort over acceleration in FI post-kids

Conclusion & Call to Action

Trevor’s story is a message to all listeners:

Build the strongest financial foundation you can early on
Say yes to opportunities, especially the ones others overlook
Flexibility—geographic, professional, and lifestyle—can multiply your net worth and experiences
Live with intention, adapting your pace and goals as life evolves
Enjoy the journey, not just the destination

Challenge from Mindy Jensen:
"What opportunities have you not said yes to in the past? And how can you position yourself so that you can say yes to opportunities in the future?" [56:00]

For more resources, tools, and future episodes, visit BiggerPocketsMoney.com.

How We Built a $1M Net Worth by 32 (Step-by-Step Breakdown)

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Summary

BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Episode: "How We Built a $1M Net Worth by 32 (Step-by-Step Breakdown)"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Foundations and Mindset Shifts

2. Early Career: Saving Aggressively & Flexibility

3. Leveraging Corporate Benefits and Mobility

4. Real Estate Investing — House Hacking & DIY

5. Career Progression and Strategic Moves

6. Timing the Market & International Experience

7. Navigating Career Setbacks & Resilience

8. Building Long-Term Financial Stability in the U.S.

Major Takeaways & Summarizing Insights

Proactivity & Flexibility Are Superpowers

Take Full Advantage of What’s in Front of You

Adaptability at Life Stages

Frugality + Earning Power = Wealth Accumulation

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timeline (w/ Timestamps)

Conclusion & Call to Action

Summary

BiggerPockets Money Podcast

Episode: "How We Built a $1M Net Worth by 32 (Step-by-Step Breakdown)"

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Foundations and Mindset Shifts

2. Early Career: Saving Aggressively & Flexibility

3. Leveraging Corporate Benefits and Mobility

4. Real Estate Investing — House Hacking & DIY

5. Career Progression and Strategic Moves

6. Timing the Market & International Experience

7. Navigating Career Setbacks & Resilience

8. Building Long-Term Financial Stability in the U.S.

Major Takeaways & Summarizing Insights

Proactivity & Flexibility Are Superpowers

Take Full Advantage of What’s in Front of You

Adaptability at Life Stages

Frugality + Earning Power = Wealth Accumulation

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timeline (w/ Timestamps)

Conclusion & Call to Action