Ken McElroy Show

How Rich People Use Debt To Get Ahead

7 snips
Nov 6, 2025
Dive into the world of finance as investors leverage debt to build wealth. Discover the powerful difference between good and bad debt, and learn why high debt can still equal high net worth when used wisely. Explore the nuances of student loans and why they can be good or bad depending on the ROI. Understand how inflation boosts real estate values, and why 30-year fixed mortgages are a U.S. advantage. Plus, learn strategies for refinancing and managing cash flow in challenging times.
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INSIGHT

Debt Is A Tool Not A Villain

  • Debt itself is a tool that can compound wealth when used correctly rather than something to always avoid.
  • Ken contrasts depreciating consumer debt (cars, TVs) with debt that buys appreciating assets that others pay off for you.
ADVICE

Ask Who’s Paying The Debt

  • Ask who is paying off the debt: you or someone else, and prefer debt that others service for you.
  • Avoid personal-collateral debt where the bank treats you as the collateral instead of the asset.
ADVICE

Only Borrow For Payoff

  • Only take education debt if the expected income payoff exceeds its cost and improves earning potential.
  • Evaluate trades and short programs as they often pay for themselves faster than expensive degrees.
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