F1-Visa: Hacks to Save Your Money - Ansh Mundra (4K)

Описание: A one-stop, money-first guide for F-1 visa students coming to the U.S. with creator and entrepreneur Ansh Mundra. We cover the exact setup playbook to save thousands: F-1 interview prep with AI, waiving overpriced university insurance, cheaper U.S. SIMs, credit without an SSN (plus points to free flights), and tax must-knows (Form 8843, 1040-NR, common mistakes to avoid). We also hit New York’s Essential Plan (free insurance plus OTC card plus gym rebate), assimilation beyond the bubble, and how to legally align content creation with OPT.

Guest: Ansh Mundra — founder and creator helping international students navigate U.S. life and save money.   / ansh.talks  

Perspective Lab Podcast -   / perspectivelab.podcast  

Host: Tanmay Gulati -   / tanmaygulati  

What you’ll learn fast:
• F-1 interview prep: AI mock officer “Sonia” for stronger approvals
• Pre-arrival setup: bank, debit, and starter credit ready on landing
• Insurance: waive the 4.5k university plan via approved third-party options
• Phone: swap to low-cost carriers like Mint, US Mobile, Visible
• Credit: get a card even before you have an SSN, autopay on, utilization under 30 percent, stack points for travel
• Taxes: file Form 8843 even at 0 income, use 1040-NR when applicable, and mail returns
• NY Essential Plan: eligibility, OTC grocery card, gym reimbursement, caveats
• OPT and content: keep it compliant by tying your role to company growth
• Personal edge: articulation over accent, hygiene and reputation, leverage framework

Disclaimer: Not legal, tax, immigration, or financial advice. Verify with your school, attorney, CPA, or the IRS. Rules change.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:00:39 Who is Ansh?
00:02:27 What is Roam? One-stop marketplace for international students
00:03:16 F-1 visa interview AI “Sonia” — how it works and why it helps
00:03:34 Pre-arrival setup — bank, debit, starter credit before you land
00:04:35 Waiving university insurance (NYU 4.5k down to about 1k) — steps and savings
00:05:34 Cheaper SIM plans (Mint, US Mobile, Visible) and real savings
00:06:57 Marketplace is free plus 15-minute concierge — how it makes money
00:08:50 Credit score fast-track — no SSN, autopay, utilization under 30 percent
00:11:25 Points to free flights (Chase Sapphire example) plus cautions
00:13:58 Taxes 101 for F-1 — Form 8843 and first-five-years FICA note
00:15:15 1040-NR vs 1040 — avoid common software mistakes, mailing the return, deadlines
00:16:54 NY Essential Plan (income under 40k) — free insurance, OTC card, gym rebate, caveats
00:20:43 Assimilation beyond the bubble — clubs, Greek life, real friendships
00:26:31 Articulation vs accent — clarity, confidence, being understood
00:35:21 The hygiene stereotype — why you represent 1.5 billion people
00:39:53 Why Ansh started creating — first reels, early wins, mindset
00:50:24 Doing content on F-1 and OPT legally — role design, school reporting
00:57:01 Pivoting and what sticks from content
00:58:10 Leverage (code, collaboration, content, capital) and freedom as the goal
01:01:12 Closing advice to international students — be different, have fun

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