Most people discover financial independence after making costly mistakes. Cody Berman found it in high school. Cody shares how his mother's influence and a chance encounter with "The Four Hour Work Week" led him to evaluate job offers by time—not salary—and build a college strategy around minimizing costs and maximizing freedom. He explains the Rule of 72, his approach to scholarship hunting, and why he chose to launch a side business selling disc golf equipment instead of waiting to hit a magic financial number. Cody's reverse 4% rule offers a fresh lens on reaching financial independence faster by focusing on what you can control today. Key Takeaways Time is your most valuable asset—prioritize it over salary when evaluating job offers. [00:10:15] Apply for at least one scholarship a day to maximize funding opportunities. [00:20:17] Take AP and CLEP exams to earn college credits early and reduce costs. [00:15:47] The Rule of 72 estimates how long it takes to double your money at a given return rate. [00:05:28] Timestamps [00:02:40] Introduction to Cody Berman [00:04:19] The Importance of Time [00:07:54] Cody's Early Influences [00:15:11] Evaluating Career Options [00:20:23] Scholarship Applications [00:36:11] Cody's Side Hustle: Arsenal Discs [00:43:12] The Reverse 4% Rule Action Items Set a goal to apply for scholarships regularly and track applications to increase your chances of securing funding. [00:20:17] Evaluate job offers based on hours worked versus salary to assess the true value of a position. [00:10:15] Quotes "Understanding that time is your most precious asset is crucial for financial independence." [00:05:05] "Prioritize time over money to truly value your life." [00:09:29] "Embrace risks and pursue your passion without waiting for financial milestones." [00:43:46] "Consider if the time spent for a specific career aligns with your financial goals." [00:15:11] Resources The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss [00:09:06] Mr. Money Mustache article [00:49:16]