YFP 354: From PharmD to Debt Free to FIRE with Derek Schwartz, PharmD

Derek Schwartz, PharmD, returns to talk about his debt free journey and his path toward FI/RE: Financial Independence, Retire Early.

Summary

On this episode, we check back in with Derek Schwartz, PharmD, on his debt free to FIRE journey. Derek was an early guest on the podcast back in 2017 when he was working toward becoming debt free by ambitiously paying off $180,000 in student loan debt. 

Today, Derek returns to share a life update after successfully eliminating his student loan debt - from getting married to owning a home to becoming a father of two - Derek explains how he continues to save and view spending and how his journey toward an early retirement evolves as he pursues FIRE. Derek shares encouraging advice for new grads and anyone looking to pay down debt and what it can mean when you are truly financially free.

About Today's Guest

Derek Schwartz, PharmD, RPh is a 2014 graduate of Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy who currently works with the Kroger Company in the Cincinnati, OH area. After graduating in 2014 with over $180,000 in debt, he paid it off in March 2018.  Derek and his wife, Jessica, married in October 2020, and have two children:  Julia, age 2, and Calvin, 8 months old.  The family of four have a happy and busy life in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mentioned on the Show

• YFP 014: Turning Student Debt Frustration Into Action
• YFP/APhA Webinar: Money Moves: How to Evaluate Benefits Packages and Job Offers (With Live Insight on Real Pharmacist Job Offers!) on April 17, 2024
• YFP Planning
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