Steven Donovan graduated from high school and went to college—because that’s what you do. He graduated from college but got cold feet when it came time to get a “real job.” So, he bounced around random jobs with no plan and no focus. Despite his degree in finance and about $60,000 in student loan and credit card debt, he returned to the golf course that he’d been working at throughout high school and college. He also regularly played poker at a local casino, all while deferring and avoiding making any payments on his debt. Eventually he got his first "big boy job" at a bank; however, he still wasn't making much headway on his debt. In fact, he just kept adding to it. He ended up buying a Mercedes, quitting his job, and moving to Florida to be near his long-distance girlfriend. But Florida didn’t work out, so he moved back home. He went back to the golf course until he found another job at a bank, moved into the city, and sold the Mercedes—at a loss, of course. Once he got married, he began to tackle his debt. Slowly at first, bringing lunch one day a week, then two, and eliminating takeout coffee. He started "frugaling" his way out of debt, adopting a rock bottom budget in order to finally rid himself of the burden. Steven paid off his debt in five years, in fact, while house hacking a Chicago triplex and renting his wife’s house in Florida. They’re now debt-free, and they achieved it in a completely repeatable way, which is what makes this episode so great! In This Episode We Cover: Steven's money journey How he managed his personal money and student loan What his college lifestyle was like The evolution of his financial position between graduation and employment His experience purchasing things from Nike outlets and selling them on eBay The moment he figured out his goals How he purchased his Mercedes Benz and what happened after he purchased it His financial and job situation going into marriage The reason he and his wife have separate bank accounts and paid their own debts separately The importance of having a frugal mindset and a plan for everything How he got into house hacking Exactly how he paid off his debts How he started investing and building assets Biggest reasons people worked with him How important an unbiased third party is And SO much more! Links from the Show eBay BiggerPockets BiggerPockets Money Mr. Money Mustache Early Retirement Extreme Mad Fientist Waffles On Wednesday Make Your Own Free Mobile Expense Tracking App in 30 Minutes - Waffles On Wednesday