How a College Student's Tiny Home Bought Him Financial Freedom

While many students with steep loans accept debt as a part of life, University of Texas design student Joel Weber rejected the idea completely. During his sophomore year in college, Joel built a tiny home for $20,000 and now lives mortgage free with minimal utility costs.

Though tiny homes are generally categorized as being 500 feet or under, Joel constructed a 145-square-foot home inspired by the tiny tree houses he was drawn to as a child. "I think living simple has always attracted me," Joel said. "A lot of times we forget about the perspective of what we really need. I would rather be happy and be debt free — not be tied down, trying to be in the rat race because I have to pay for this lifestyle that's really not even making me happy."

Take a look at Joel's beautiful and efficient tiny home!