What if you could take a year off at 31 and still retire early? Alex Morales, also known as Girl Chasing Wealth, is doing exactly that. In this BiggerPockets Money episode, she sits down with Mindy Jensen and Scott Trench to reveal how she's funding a year-long sabbatical while staying on track to achieve financial independence by 44, all on a median salary in a high-cost-of-living area. Alex's journey proves you don't need a six-figure income or to live in a low-cost city to make FIRE work—you just need the right strategies.

Alex shares her unconventional approach to building wealth, including managing roommates to slash housing costs, ruthlessly cutting expenses that don't align with her values, and building side income streams for flexibility. But this isn't just about saving money—it's about designing a life that lets you take meaningful breaks without derailing your financial goals. Whether you're burned out, curious about sabbaticals, or convinced early retirement requires constant hustle, this conversation will change how you think about the path to financial freedom.

This Episode Covers:

And SO much more!

00:00 Taking a Year Off at 31 Without Ruining FIRE

01:39 How She Started

03:17 The Lifestyle Cuts That Actually Worked

07:46 Roommates Saved Her $30K/Year

12:10 Her Exact Investment Strategy Revealed

14:29 Why She Left Her Job

15:50 The Return Plan: Higher Pay, Same Freedom

22:30 What She's Actually Doing on Sabbatical

32:06 Follow Her FIRE Journey!

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