Swing for the Fences | Grant Sabatier
Episode 113
Episode Guide
Episode Timestamps
ChooseFI Podcast Episode Show Notes
Episode Title: From Zero to Financial Freedom with Grant Sabatier
Episode Summary: Join hosts Jonathan Mendonsa and Brad Barrett as they dive into the transformative journey of Grant Sabatier, who went from living with $2.26 to becoming a millionaire in just five years. Grant shares his awakening moment that set him on a path to financial independence through self-reflection, leveraging skills in digital marketing, and building meaningful connections.
Key Topics Discussed:
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** Podcast Intro:
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Introduction to Grant's Story
- Grant reflects on living at home with his parents at age 24 after struggling to find a job.
- Discusses how upbringing and educational background contributed to his expectations and pressures.
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Awakening Moment
- In August 2010, Grant realized he needed to make a change in his life after sending countless job applications without any response.
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The Journey to Financial Independence
- He discovered the opportunity in digital marketing after being introduced to Google Ads.
- Importance of being proactive in seeking out opportunities.
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Finding Opportunities
- Grant shares how he transitioned from applying for various jobs to targeting high-demand digital marketing roles.
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Lessons on Self-Reflection
- The significance of self-awareness in identifying when one is "stuck" and assessing life satisfaction.
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Actionable Takeaways
- Emphasizes the importance of asking for raises and fully leveraging job benefits.
- Encourages connecting with recruiters for market insights, even when not actively seeking a job.
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Creating Meaningful Connections
- Grant discusses how to optimize job searches and build professional networks.
- The significance of relationships in achieving financial success.
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Final Thoughts and Hot Seat
- Gives reflective insights and shares personal experiences on financial mistakes and learning to prioritize life over money.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Assess Your Skills and Opportunities (00:12:40): Explore new skills outside of your current career path and stay open to possibilities.
- Maximize Job Benefits (00:32:42): Make sure you understand and take full advantage of your employment benefits.
- Build Your Network (00:40:21): Regularly connect with professionals in your field to discover new opportunities and gain insights.
Key Quotes:
- "Many young adults face financial struggles today."
- "Financial freedom can be achieved with much less than you think."
- "Most people have like twenty thousand to thirty thousand dollars of benefits they don't even know exist."
Related Resources:
- Financial Freedom by Grant Sabatier - Amazon Link
- Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin - Amazon Link
Discussion Questions:
- What are the first steps you would take if you find yourself in financial distress? [Timestamp: 00:16:05]
- How do you define financial freedom in your life? [Timestamp: 00:55:02]
Conclusion:
Listen to this episode of ChooseFI for an inspiring story and actionable advice on financial freedom from Grant Sabatier. This journey is a testament that with determination and resourcefulness, you can change your financial trajectory.
Podcast Extro: You've been listening to ChooseFI Podcast, where we help middle-class America build wealth one life hack at a time.
Unlocking Your Path to Financial Independence
Achieving financial independence (FI) is a journey filled with lessons, insights, and actionable strategies. Drawing from the inspiring story of Grant Sabatier, who transitioned from living with his parents to becoming a millionaire in just five years, you can discover how to make significant changes in your life and financial mindset.
Understanding Your Current Situation
The first step toward financial independence is being honest with yourself about your current situation. Many young adults today face significant financial struggles; thus, it’s vital to assess your life comprehensively—relationships, income, expenses, and personal satisfaction. Are you happy with your friendships and personal life? If yes, then perhaps you're closer to a fulfilling life than you initially thought. If no, it's essential to identify what's causing this unhappiness so you can address it.
Discovering Opportunities
If you find yourself feeling stuck, consider exploring new skills beyond your current career path. Grant shared that he applied for numerous jobs with no responses, until a significant turning point emerged—a Google search led him to the booming field of digital marketing.
Actionable Tip:
- Be proactive—search for industries that are growing or facing talent shortages. Platforms like LinkedIn or industry blogs can provide you with insights into current job market demands.
Embrace the Gig Economy
The gig economy presents fantastic opportunities to boost your income through side hustles. However, it's essential to understand that this path can also lead to increased stress if not managed properly. Instead of pursuing multiple freelance gigs blindly, approach opportunities strategically. Begin by identifying your current job benefits and maximize them before looking outside.
Optimize Your Employment Benefits:
- Schedule a meeting with HR to discuss available benefits.
- Research and take advantage of perks such as tuition reimbursement, health and wellness programs, and retirement matching contributions.
- Understand that many people leave significant benefits unclaimed, potentially amounting to thousands of dollars.
Building Meaningful Relationships
Creating a network of meaningful connections can lead to invaluable insights and opportunities. Seek out professionals in your desired field, attend local industry events, and maintain these relationships through regular, friendly communication. Face-to-face interactions significantly enhance relationships, so don’t underestimate the power of a lunch or coffee meeting.
Networking Tips:
- Regularly reach out to contacts in your industry to keep the connection alive.
- Consider volunteering where your skills are needed, which can provide both value to others and enhance your own network.
Increase Your Income Strategically
To expedite your journey to financial freedom, prioritize increasing your income rather than frugality alone. While budgeting can help, the real power lies in earning more.
Actionable Strategies to Increase Income:
- Learn New Skills: Invest time into acquiring skills that are in high demand, such as digital marketing or data analysis.
- Engage with Recruiters: Build relationships with recruiters who can provide insights into the job market and alert you to potential opportunities—even if you're not in the market for a new job.
- Negotiate Your Salary: Always research salary benchmarks for your role and be prepared to negotiate for a raise.
Focus on What Matters: Life Over Money
Grant emphasizes the importance of creating a life that fulfills you rather than just chasing a dollar amount. It's crucial to evaluate what truly brings you happiness and satisfaction, even if that means taking a step back from financial pressures to enjoy life with friends and family.
- Prioritize Health and Happiness: Don’t let the pursuit of wealth overshadow your relationships and well-being. Make time for personal fulfillment, as this will contribute positively to your productivity in the long run.
Practical Financial Management
Managing your finances effectively is wrapped up in understanding where your money goes and making informed decisions about it. Grant advises against using strict budgets that may lead to a scarcity mindset:
- Maximize Savings: Instead of depriving yourself of small pleasures, focus on reducing significant costs like housing and transportation.
- Invest Wisely: Use a portion of your income to invest rather than simply saving it. Explore options that align with your risk tolerance.
Final Thoughts and Steps
Your journey toward financial independence may have its challenges, but the key is to take intentional steps every day. Remember that achieving financial freedom doesn't require millions; often, you can enjoy a fulfilling life with much less than you think.
By learning new skills, building meaningful relationships, maximizing your current job benefits, and strategically increasing your income, you're more likely to take control of your financial future. Keep this mindset: life is your playground, and it's about exploring and enjoying your passions while cultivating financial literacy.
In summary, you are not as far from your ideal life as you may believe; take those steps today, and each small action can give you the momentum you need to reach your financial independence goals.
Creator of Millennial Money and author of Financial Freedom, Grant Sabatier, shares his story of unemployment and entrepreneurship, and his strategies for increasing your income and optimizing your finances.
[elementor-template id="143609"]- In 2010, with a college degree in philosophy Grant had been laid off twice and found himself living at home as 24-year-old.
- Grant sent out more than 200 resumes without a single callback before he found the information he needed to start learning Google Ad campaigns.
- The certification process took about 30 days and he received a job offer almost immediately.
- The first step to getting out of a rut is being honest enough to admit that you’re stuck.
- Most people are only 2 or 3 steps away from a life that they’d love.
- A million dollars could be 10 years away; just take the next step.
- When Grant looked at all his friends and his parents’ friends, they were stressed about money so he decided to learn how to do it differently.
- Grant learned how to build Wordpress websites and began selling his services to law firms, quickly securing large contracts at lower prices than large agencies.
- Grant’s first client became his most valuable client because he served as a credible reference for more than a year.
- How does Grant recommend getting your first client?
- What matters is helping your client look good to their boss.
- Selling is story telling – who you are as a person is more important that what you’re selling.
- The paradox of the gig economy is that many people are actually less flexible and more stressed about getting their next client than they would be working a 9-5.
- Whether you’re happy with your current job or not, optimizing your finances through your full-time job is where you need to start.
- Talking to recruiters in your particular industry will give insight into the direction the industry is moving, what parts of your resume might be lacking, and the market value of your work.
- How does Grant maintain relationships with recruiters?
- Face-to-face meetings
- Taking people out to lunch
- Form an actual relationship, don’t just try to get something from them.
- For Grant, forcing someone into a budget that cuts out small things like wine and coffee just reinforces a scarcity mindset.
- The only way to get from a 5% to a 30% savings rate is to decrease your housing, transportation and food costs.
- There is a limit to how much someone can cut back, but making money is unlimited.
- Grant invested 100% of his side hustle income.
Links mentioned in the show:
“Success Isn’t About Money, It’s About Peace” – Millennial Money
