Why High Earners Stay Broke, with Rose Han
17 October 2025

Why High Earners Stay Broke, with Rose Han

Afford Anything

About
#652: What if you did everything “right”, earned the degree, landed the six-figure job, and still felt broke?

That’s exactly where Rose Han found herself. Fresh out of NYU with a finance degree and a Wall Street paycheck, she had a negative net worth, mounting stress, and a sinking feeling that traditional success wasn’t the path to freedom.

In this conversation, Rose shares how she broke out of that cycle and built a seven-figure business that gives her time, independence, and peace of mind. We explore how she reframed her relationship with money, learned to scale her income, and built a life that aligns with her values.



Key Takeaways



When a “side hustle” becomes just a second job




How your uniqueness is your greatest asset




The slow season that led to a million-dollar leap




Resources and Links



Rose Han on YouTube




Add a Zero by Rose Han




Chapters

Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising segments. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths.

(0:00) Rose Han’s story begins: doing everything right yet still ending up broke

(5:45) The Cancun moment that sparked Rose’s financial awakening

(9:12) Discovering the three types of income and why some buy freedom while others don’t

(13:45) How Rose Han built her “Add a Zero” framework for lasting wealth

(21:30) From employee mindset to entrepreneur mindset

(25:15) The three levels of leverage and how to scale your income

(28:55) Why not every side hustle creates freedom

(31:45) Overcoming the fear of selling

(39:16) How to build a business while working full-time

(47:10) Rose’s real estate lessons and the myth of passive income

(53:55) Knowing when to walk away from an investment

(1:10:15) What financial freedom really means and how to find your own version


Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices