Young Planner Pays Off $90K Debt, Moves to Australia for New Life

URGENT UPDATE: Gabriel Filer, 34, has successfully cleared over $90,000 in student debt and moved to Sydney, Australia, in a life-changing journey that took just four years. After living with his parents in Middletown, Connecticut, Filer is now enjoying a higher salary and a more fulfilling life in his dream city.

Filer’s remarkable transformation began in 2019 when he realized that his student debt was holding him back from pursuing a life abroad. Determined to pay off his loans before relocating, he adopted a frugal lifestyle and saved aggressively. Just last month, in August 2023, he achieved his goal, eliminating his debt nearly a year before making the move.

The urgency of this story resonates especially now, as many young professionals face overwhelming student loans and seek better opportunities abroad. Filer’s experience sheds light on the potential for financial freedom through hard work and discipline.

Filer graduated with a degree in community, environment, and planning in 2013, and later earned a Master’s degree in city and regional planning in 2016. After starting his career as an urban planner in 2017 with an initial salary of around $40,000, he knew he needed a strategic plan to conquer his debt.

In January 2020, Filer began paying $1,000 monthly toward his loans. The three-year student loan payment pause during the pandemic allowed him to save significantly, using the opportunity to pay down a substantial $65,600 by October 2021. Living rent-free with his parents enabled him to prioritize debt repayment while maintaining a disciplined budget.

By April 2024, Filer had saved over $38,000 for relocation and emergency expenses. He hired an immigration lawyer to assist with his visa application, navigating the complexities of moving abroad. His proactive approach also included virtual volunteering with an Australian nonprofit, helping him establish professional references for his job search.

Upon arriving in Sydney, Filer quickly secured a position as a grants officer in the education sector, earning 113,575 AUD (approximately $73,700), a significant increase from his previous US salary. His initial rent of $1,645 per month felt like a steal compared to prices in major US cities.

Filer’s experience highlights the emotional impact of pursuing dreams despite financial challenges. He notes, “Moving to Australia was a dream come true. I just needed the courage to step out of my comfort zone and go for it.”

As Filer settles into his new life, he reflects on the stark contrast in lifestyle and work-life balance, stating, “People are very nice here, and going to the pharmacy doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.”

With his journey inspiring many, Filer’s story serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with student debt and contemplating a move abroad.

For those considering a similar path, the urgency is clear: financial discipline and strategic planning can lead to a new life abroad, just as it did for Gabriel Filer.

Do you have a story to share about leaving the US? Contact this reporter at [email protected].