Making Cents
Building FU money on an average income - "Enough is not a number, it's a decision"
03 Aug 2025
You don’t need a million dollars to reach financial freedom.In this episode of Making Cents, we’re breaking down how Germano Gomes built lifestyle freedom on an average income. No lottery win. No six-figure job. Just smart money moves.He paid off his mortgage in five years, lived simply, and built up enough FU money to say no to the traditional 9–5. All while still enjoying the things that matter most.Now? He works part of the year, travels the world, and funds it with casual jobs on his terms.This approach is sometimes called Barista FIRE. It’s a version of early retirement where you save and invest just enough to cover the basics, and use flexible work to fund the fun.It means more freedom, sooner.We talk:- How he hit financial independence without a high income- The exact strategy he used to pay off his house fast- Why he walked away from property investing- How much he actually spends now- And the mindset shift that made it all possible“Enough is not a number — it’s a decision.”Hit play to find out how he made his.Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other recent transcribed episodes
Transcribed and ready to explore now
NPR News: 12-08-2025 2AM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now
NPR News: 12-08-2025 12AM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now
NPR News: 12-07-2025 11PM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now
NPR News: 12-07-2025 10PM EST
08 Dec 2025
NPR News Now
Meidas Health: AAP President Strongly Pushes Back on Hepatitis B Vaccine Changes
08 Dec 2025
The MeidasTouch Podcast
Democrat Bobby Cole Discusses Race for Texas Governor
07 Dec 2025
The MeidasTouch Podcast