BiggerPockets Money Podcast · Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Cody Burman described his early years of wealth accumulation as a "financial freedom sprint," emphasizing a relentless focus on achieving FI. He credits role models like Scott Trench and reading the book 'Set for Life' for instilling the importance of keeping expenses low while aggressively boosting income. This approach allowed him to create a substantial gap between his earnings and spending.
“I had a lot of role models like yourself Scott. I remember meeting you at Camp FI and I read Set for Life right after and I was just like, okay, I need to keep my expenses really low, and I need to boost my income really high.”
“So I had like a $76,000 gap, or whatever the math adds up to. Yes, $76,000 gap in that year one of entrepreneurship.”
“That's why I like to call it my financial freedom sprint. Because I was just like, I did not let up. I was not jogging at all. I was just like, aim for FI, aim for FI, aim for FI.”