Financial Independence is a lifestyle. It means being totally free from money problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But how do we really get to that point in life? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be financially independent, you\u2019ll need to put in some efforts to backup your dreams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does it really mean to be financially independent?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019re going to be looking at financial independence in great detail. See this blog post as an answer to all your questions about financial freedom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll walk you through how to set up a plan that will help you become financially independent, and also explain how to act on those plans to help you become financially independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For this analysis, a young adult is financially independent if their total income is at least 150% of the poverty level for a one-person household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The four rules of money are making money, saving money, spending money, and investing money. If you stick to these basic rules of personal finance, you’ll be able to keep your money in good shape. Most of the time, these ideas can help people get rich over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At first sight. The 5 pillars of financial literacy are talked about: earning, saving and investing, protecting, spending and borrowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To be financially independent means to have enough income to cater for your living expenses for the rest of your life without having to work, be employed or be dependent on others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It means you no longer have to work for a living, because there\u2019s enough cash in your bank account that allows you live your current lifestyle year in and year out, and till forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This income or cash could be in form of rents, dividends, interests, etc., which usually comes from your assets (cash, shares, bonds, property, etc).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This money coming in constantly saves you from things that might happen:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Not having to panic about emergencies that might occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Not having to panic about a slight failure in your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Risks that might occur when you lose a job, move out of the country or launch a start up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. A life threatening ailment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Death of a loved one<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As interesting as it sounds, it takes a lot of effort and planning before this is put in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Financial independence should be a long term goal for every individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll explain in great detail how to achieve financial independence and how to structure a plan to guide you in being financially independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to be financially free, it’s best to break the steps down into smaller ones:
1) Set a goal for your own financial freedom.
2) Start a fund for emergencies.
3) Pay down your credit card debt and other loans.
4) First pay yourself.
5) Make and stick to a budget that works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always remember why you started the journey in the first place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you have a detour along the way, like having an unexpected expense that sets you back temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To control your finances, you must control yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, as you invest in buying assets, invest in getting good study materials or courses, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See also: Public finance: Definition, Scope, Importance, Types and Examples (+ free pdfs)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, be ready to put in the work as we discuss ways you can achieve financial independence<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your budget should include a percentage that goes to your living expenses, assets and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoid the type of debt that has you paying interest on non-necessary items like the plague<\/p>\n\n\n\n Truth be told, they don\u2019t work twice as much as you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Study the rich, study wealth patterns, then act on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is a list of 5 books you need to read to build financial intelligence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1.The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. The Simple path to wealth by J.L Collins<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. I will teach you to be rich by Ramit Sethi<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Think and grow rich by Napoleon Hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Oxfords Learners Dictionary, the best definition of independence is \u201cThe freedom to organize your own life, make your own decisions, etc. without needing help from other people\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What this means is – you don\u2019t need to rely on anyone but yourself to meet your financial needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Financial freedom on the other hand, means living the lifestyle you want without having to worry or become anxious about the fear of not having enough money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These words are often used interchangeably, they might mean the same thing but it isn\u2019t really the same thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Financial independence is the first step to financial freedom.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Financial independence characteristics<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are some of the characteristics or qualities that best describe a person who wants to be financially independent?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s take a look at some of them below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n1.Perseverance<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To reach that point of being financially independent, you must learn to keep going even when it seems tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You must always take it one step at a time too, and never relent when it feels like things aren\u2019t going your way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Determination<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever lose sight of the goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
All you have to do is contend with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3. Self control<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
As Horace once said \u2018Rule your mind or it will rule you.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can\u2019t afford to spend your money on anything you set your eyes on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t waste your money on things that don\u2019t add much to your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Be knowledgeable<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You can\u2019t be wealthy if you don\u2019t have adequate information about certain things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowledge sometimes comes from experience, but a great deal will also come from study. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
How can you achieve financial independence?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The following steps will require patience and hard work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disclaimer: Building wealth can never be gotten through get-rich-quick-schemes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n1.Have a consistent budget<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Live within our means, you can\u2019t afford to spend more than you earn. Now, that\u2019s you going on a suicide mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have a budget and stick to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Self control<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whenever you’re about to buy something, consider if that is the best investment for your long term financial goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The more you limit expenses on certain things, the more money you can keep for smarter investment goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Avoid debt like the plague<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get out of bad debt. Avoid debt too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stop borrowing money for unnecessary reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Study<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Yes. The rich and wealthy people are no way different than you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They spend their time educating themselves in the principles of wealth and put it into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learn all about budgeting, asset allocation, investments and the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Use your time wisely<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Time is money. Make sure you spend your time on things that will help you reach your financial goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ever feel bad to turn down an offer that isn\u2019t in line with your financial goals. Use your time wisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Financial Independence Plan<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A financial independence plan is a personal guide to building wealth, so you don\u2019t have to rely on others for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is important because it helps you evaluate where you are and where you are going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first thing you need to do is \u2013 Determine your short and long term goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, automate your savings and have a budget. Put about 20% of your monthly income into savings. Create a budget within your means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thirdly, avoid debt and pay off outstanding debt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, have a retirement account and start investing. You can choose to invest in the stock market, crypto currency, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Financial Intelligence Books <\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Study is important, if you want to succeed in any area of your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n