Optimal Finance Daily · Friday, July 17, 2026
Jeremy Jacobson debunked common excuses for not achieving financial independence, including luck, inheritance, and student loans. He clarified that while he inherited traits like a love for reading, he also managed significant student loan debt, which he paid off using strategies like 0% balance transfers.
“If by lucky, you mean we didn't spend all of our money on trifles and instead bought index funds, you're correct.”
“Nope, not true.”
“My student loan debt burden would put me into the top 5% of graduates today.”