Man Pays Off $90,000 Student Debt, Moves to Australia for New Life

UPDATE: Gabriel Filer, 34, has successfully paid off over $90,000 in student debt and relocated to Sydney, Australia, marking a significant life change. This remarkable financial turnaround comes after years of disciplined saving and living with his parents.

Filer, originally from Middletown, Connecticut, moved to Australia in April 2024. He initially faced a daunting amount of student debt that he was determined to eliminate before making the move. By living frugally and saving aggressively, he managed to clear his debt in just under four years, achieving his goal in August 2023, almost a year before relocating.

The journey wasn’t easy. Filer graduated in 2013 and earned a Master’s degree in city and regional planning in 2016, amassing debt that peaked at $90,000. With a starting salary of around $40,000, he struggled to save until he committed to a rigorous repayment plan, paying $1,000 monthly starting in January 2020, and even more during the pandemic when a student loan payment pause allowed him to focus on savings without accruing interest.

By October 2021, Filer had paid off $65,600 of his loans, capitalizing on the payment freeze. His monthly salary increased to about $3,400, providing him with the means to save for relocation costs. After clearing his debt, he managed to accumulate over $38,000 for emergency funds and visa expenses.

Filer navigated the complicated immigration process with the help of an immigration lawyer and joined a Facebook support group, allowing him to gather professional references before arriving in Australia. His proactive approach led to securing a job in the education sector as a grants officer, earning $73,700 AUD (approximately $46,000 USD), which is a notable increase compared to his previous salary in the US.

In June 2025, Filer finalized the down payment on his own apartment in Sydney, renting initially for $1,645 a month. He expressed satisfaction with his new life, highlighting the superior work-life balance and lower living costs compared to the US.

Reflecting on his journey, Filer noted, “Moving to Australia was a dream come true. I just needed the courage to step out of my comfort zone.” The positive reception and lifestyle improvements have solidified his decision to leave the US, providing a fresh start filled with new opportunities.

This inspiring story serves as a beacon for others burdened by student debt or contemplating a major life change. Filer’s experience underscores the importance of determination and strategic financial planning in achieving personal dreams.

For more insights or to share your own story about leaving the US, contact reporter [email protected].