35-year-old brings in around $60,000 a year and lives rent-free by pet sitting full time
A 35-year-old pet sitter earning $60,000 annually explains how living rent-free allows them to spend $2-3,000 monthly on lifestyle expenses while investing $13,500 in retirement savings. They describe their minimalist approach to possessions and strategic use of 0% APR business credit cards.
Summary
The speaker discusses their lifestyle and financial strategy as a full-time pet sitter who lives rent-free. They maintain a minimalist approach to possessions, quickly discarding items they haven't used or worn rather than deliberating over donations. Their monthly spending ranges from $2,000 to $3,000, primarily on groceries, dining out, massages, and travel expenses. The speaker emphasizes how avoiding rent payments enables them to invest more in both their current lifestyle and future financial security. Despite paying themselves less than $45,000 annually, they have managed to invest $13,500 in retirement savings this year alone, putting their retirement planning 'into overdrive.' As a business owner, they have adopted a strategic approach to debt management, utilizing 0% APR credit cards for business expenses and paying off the full balance before interest rates take effect. They maintain no personal debt while leveraging business credit strategically, having overcome previous shame around debt by reframing it as a business tool.
Key Insights
- The speaker uses a strict decluttering rule where anything not touched or worn gets donated immediately without deliberation
- Living rent-free allows the speaker to spend $2,000-3,000 monthly on lifestyle expenses like groceries, dining, massages and travel
- Not paying tens of thousands in annual rent has enabled the speaker to accelerate their retirement savings significantly
- Despite paying themselves less than $45,000, the speaker invested $13,500 in retirement savings in one year
- The speaker strategically uses 0% APR business credit cards and pays off the debt entirely before interest rates begin
Topics
Transcript
[0:00] If there's something that I haven't touched or worn, bye-bye. We don't have time to wonder about if I should donate these old pair of jeans. If they don't fit me anymore because I'm eating too many delicious croissants in France, then we're donating and moving on. Every month I spend anywhere from $2 to $3,000. Most of my budget comes down to groceries, going out to eat, massages, and travel. So, not paying rent allows me to spend more on my present self and my future self. [0:34] Not having to pay tens of thousands of dollars in rent a year has allowed me to put my retirement savings into overdrive. As somebody who still pays myself less…
Full transcript available for MurmurCast members
Sign Up to AccessMore from CNBC Make It
I quit teaching to build a fidget business with my dad — it brings in $428K/year
Victoria Baumann quit teaching to start Victoria SE Studio, a fidget toy business run with her father Charlie Morton from their North Carolina homes. The business generated $428,000 in gross revenue and $94,000 in net profit in 2025, primarily through sales of fidget clickers and 3D-printed products.
I Left The U.S. For The Caribbean — Here's How Much It Costs
Chantel Henry shares her experience moving from Atlanta to Trinidad and Tobago 11 years ago, highlighting the significantly lower cost of living, free healthcare, and improved quality of life despite initial skepticism. She demonstrates concrete monthly expenses ranging from groceries at $15 USD to rent at $500, while maintaining a six-figure income as an AI consultant and homeschool mother.
Grads say college is worth it despite career and job search challenges
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts strong job growth in fields like electrician work, nursing, and software development over the next decade. Despite current job market challenges, recent graduates express no regrets about their college degrees, citing personal growth, life skills development, and self-discovery as major benefits beyond career prospects.
My ice cream business brings in $2.8M/year
Malai is a South Asian-inspired ice cream company that generates $2.8M annually by featuring authentic flavors like cardamom, rose, and saffron. The business operates four brick-and-mortar scoop shops across major US cities, with 80% of revenue coming from these retail locations and the remainder from wholesale, e-commerce, and catering.
I scaled back my six-figure career to run a local bookstore with my husband — here's why
A couple shares their experience transitioning from a six-figure career to running a local bookstore together, emphasizing that their reduced income and lifestyle change has brought greater happiness and fulfillment despite financial uncertainty. They reflect on how overcoming initial fear about the transition has made the experience exciting rather than scary.