What to Read Before You Invest
These were the secrets that started it all…
Ask anyone if they want financial freedom and the answer is sure to be a resounding “Yes!” But what is financial freedom, really? Depending on who you are, it can mean different things. Life without student loans. Enough money to retire comfortably. Passive income so you never have to go to your day job. These are all examples of financial freedom, to a degree.
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The core premise of financial freedom is the same: Having the fiscal stability to live the life you want. When you aren’t burdened by debt and have enough income to live independent of a paycheck, you’re financially free. It takes a lot of smart decision-making, self-control and hard work to become financially free. But the rewards are worth it.
Here’s your guide to financial freedom, from learning what it really means to the steps required to achieve it.
It’s called “financial freedom” for a reason! The cornerstone of being financially free is having a personal balance sheet with little or no debt, plenty of assets and liquid capital. But that means reaching some lofty goals like investing in the stock market, real estate or business ventures. Or not having a mortgage or car payment. These things take time, patience and discipline.
Most of us start in the red. We have student loans fresh out of college, a car payment and, soon, a mortgage that’ll stick with us for 30 years. An entry-level job barely pays enough to live paycheck to paycheck. As we start a family, we accrue more expenses. At this point, financial freedom can seem a long way off. And it is! But it’s not impossible. The key is realizing the importance of every dollar.
Every extra dollar you use to pay down debt is a day closer to living debt-free. Every new job or promotion adds more to the income side of your personal balance sheet. And every investment is liable to appreciate, instead of depreciate like most consumer goods.
Thinking about your life in terms of cash flow is a great way to see freedom from a financial perspective. How much money is coming in? How much is going out? Where is it all going?
The other side of a financial freedom plan is the freedom to live the lifestyle you want, without financial barriers. It’s as simple as buying the things you want without worrying about your bank account or sending your kids to college with no concerns about the burden of tuition. When money isn’t an obstacle, you’re free to live.
To achieve financial freedom, you need to know what you’re working toward. Focus on the things in life that are important to you and understand the level of income needed to attain them. How much does your dream car cost? What’s the cost of a four-year degree from a particular institution? What will you need to spend to take that European vacation?
Remember, these are individual costs. Freedom isn’t just about affording these things – it’s about affording them while maintaining your everyday lifestyle. If you empty your bank account to pay for something, you’re no longer financially free. Affordability is not freedom; sustainability is.
If you’re wondering how to get financial freedom fast, you need to understand the foundational pillars it’s built on. Each of these is essential for achieving and maintaining financial independence:
These pillars aren’t the only contributors to financial freedom, but they’re definitely the biggest. You’ll also need to consider things like spending control, tax planning, estate planning and entrepreneurship – all of which play a vital role in building and preserving the wealth necessary for financial freedom.
Every person will take a different route to financial freedom using the same roadmap. Jim and Suzie might decide not to have kids and instead, make real estate investments. Thomas might start a business in his early 20s and sell it in his 30s at a large profit. Maggie might spend a decade paying down debt by pinching pennies.
It doesn’t matter when or how you get there, becoming financially free involves the right mindset. Here are the resources you need to earn your financial freedom. Click the links below to read up on these essential topics and how they contribute to the life you’re striving to live—one that’s not constrained by money.
A little education goes a long way. Follow the advice above and get yourself familiar with both the principles of financial freedom, as well as the path to getting there. Your journey starts today, right now.
Read Next: What is Financial Freedom?
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These were the secrets that started it all…
Investors with a low budget can use risk tolerance to inform their investing strategy.