What if you could not only pay off your student loans but also become a millionaire in just seven years? That’s exactly what Rose Han did—and now she’s showing others how to do the same.
On a recent episode of the Money Ripples Podcast, I had the chance to sit down with Rose, a former Wall Street trader turned financial educator, YouTuber, and author of the new book Add a Zero. Her journey from six figures of student debt to financial freedom is not only inspiring, but it also flips the script on what true wealth looks like.
From Immigrant Values to Wall Street “Success”
Growing up as a first-generation Korean American, Rose was taught the classic immigrant playbook:
- Study hard.
- Get into a good school.
- Land a high-paying job.
She did just that—graduating at the top of her class and securing a coveted Wall Street trading position. But by age 23, she was six figures in debt and living paycheck to paycheck.
Despite the impressive salary and prestigious career, Rose realized she had no freedom. Her turning point came when she overheard a managing director—complete with Rolex and cufflinks—complain, “When am I ever going to be able to stop working?” That’s when she saw her future laid out: wealth on paper, but no freedom in reality.
Walking Away to Find Freedom
Rose made the bold decision to walk away from Wall Street. With savings from her bonus, she allowed herself some “fun employment” while she figured out her next step.
This wasn’t an overnight leap into success—it was a five-year meandering journey that included odd jobs (she even applied to be a cocktail waitress where her old colleagues hung out).
Eventually, she started sharing her personal financial journey on YouTube. What began as a passion project turned into a lucrative business that allowed her to build both financial independence and the lifestyle she wanted.
Why Rose’s Story Resonates
Unlike many finance influencers who flash Lamborghinis or private jets, Rose chose a different path. When she hit millionaire status, her “reward” was buying a six-figure camper van so she could travel and live life on her terms.
That contrast is exactly why her content resonates: she shows that being rich isn’t about looking rich—it’s about having the freedom to design your life.
The Missing Piece: Leverage
Most financial books stop at saving and investing. But as Rose explains in Add a Zero, that’s not enough if you want to accelerate your journey.
She introduces the concept of three levels of leverage:
- One-to-One – Trading time for money (the employee mindset).
- One-to-Many – Serving multiple people at once, multiplying your time.
- One-to-Infinity – Transcending time by creating assets that earn while you sleep (business systems, content, investments).
This shift from linear income to exponential income is what helped Rose go from debt to millionaire in just seven years.
Nobody Has It All Figured Out
One of the most refreshing parts of Rose’s message is her honesty. Even as a millionaire, she admits she still makes mistakes and faces new challenges, from tax planning to managing larger investments.
Her transparency is a reminder that financial freedom isn’t about perfection—it’s about growth, resilience, and constantly learning.
Rose’s Ripple Effect
When I asked Rose what ripple effect she hopes to leave, her answer was simple:
👉 “Follow the fun. Follow the passion. Don’t worry so much about the money part—that’s secondary. As long as you’re having fun, it will work out.”
It’s a powerful reminder that true prosperity isn’t just about numbers in an account. It’s about using money as a tool to create joy, freedom, and impact.
Final Thoughts
Rose Han’s story proves that financial freedom is possible—even if you’re starting deep in debt. By combining smart money strategies with mindset shifts and a willingness to leverage her time, she achieved what many people spend a lifetime chasing.
If you want the step-by-step playbook, check out her new book Add a Zero—and remember, wealth isn’t just about getting rich. It’s about living rich.