12 Steps to Achieve Total Financial Freedom
Striving for total financial freedom is a significant aspiration that countless individuals have. However, it involves possessing the ability to manage your personal finances, ample savings, investments and readily available cash to lead the desired lifestyle for oneself and loved ones. Achieving this objective also entails building a robust nest egg that facilitates retirement or enables pursuing any desired career unburdened by the compulsion to meet specific yearly income targets. Embrace these 12 essential habits to set yourself on the journey towards total financial freedom.
Regrettably, many people find themselves falling short of this goal. Apart from occasional financial emergencies, the perpetual weight of mounting debt due to overspending becomes an ever-present obstacle preventing them from attaining total financial freedom. Additionally, when significant crises such as hurricanes, earthquakes, job losses or pandemics strike, they expose further weaknesses in safety nets.
While challenges can impact nearly on everyone, these 12 habits hold the potential to lead you towards lasting financial freedom and ensure a life of greater security and contentment. Don’t miss reading comprehensive guide to creating and managing your budget unto financial freedom.
What is Total Financial Freedom?
Total financial freedom is a concept that varies from person to person as it is shaped by individual goals and aspirations. In its essence, financial freedom entails having the means to afford a desired lifestyle which includes having ample savings, investments and available cash. Additionally, it involves building a nest egg for retirement or having the liberty to pursue any career without being bound by a specific salary requirement.
Exploring the 50/30/20 Budget Rule
The 50/30/20 budget rule popularized by Senator Elizabeth Warren serves as a practical guideline to attain financial stability in life. According to this rule, after-tax income should be divided into three categories of spending. Fifty percent is allocated to cover essential needs, thirty percent is earmarked for wants or discretionary expenses and the remaining twenty percent is designated for savings and debt repayment.
To help you effectively implement this budgeting strategy, we have developed an easy-to-use budgeting calculator which empowers you to categorize and manage your spending and saving thus serving as a fundamental step towards achieving financial freedom.
The Significance of Total Financial Freedom
Like I already mentioned, financial freedom represents a state where one has a sufficient income, savings or investments to lead a comfortable life without depending on a regular paycheck. In essence, being financially independent means having the ability to fulfill all financial obligations and live a life of financial security regardless of the need to rely on a fixed salary. It stands as the ultimate objective of a well-thought-out and long-term financial plan.
Creating a Monthly Budget Towards Total Financial Freedom
Crafting a monthly household budget and adhering to it is very crucial for ensuring all bills are paid on time and savings are on track. This routine not only reinforces your financial goals but also strengthens your determination to resist impulsive spending.
12 Steps to Achieving Total Financial Freedom:
1. Define Life Goals
Financial freedom is a common aspiration, but to make it achievable, you need high level discipline, specific and measurable objectives. To start with, write down the following three goals:
• Determine the exact cost of your desired lifestyle.
• Calculate the amount you need to have in your bank account to sustain that lifestyle.
• Set a deadline by which you aim to save that amount.
Create financial milestones by working backward from your deadline age to your current age. Record these milestones along with the corresponding amounts and deadlines and keep the goal sheet at the forefront of your financial planning binder.
2. Settle Credit Card Debts in Full
High-interest consumer debts like credit cards can hinder wealth-building progress. Commit to paying off the entire balance of your credit cards every month. While lower-interest loans such as student loans and mortgages are less urgent to repay, ensure that you make timely payments to maintain a positive credit rating.
3. Establish Automatic Savings
Prioritize saving for your future. Enroll in your employer’s retirement plan and take full advantage of any matching contribution benefit—it’s essentially free money. Additionally, set up automatic withdrawals for your emergency fund which can cover unforeseen expenses and consider contribute automatically to a brokerage account or a similar investment option.
To ensure you prioritize savings, arrange for the money to be withdrawn from your account on the same day you receive your paycheck. This way, it never even passes through your hands thereby reducing the temptation to spend it.
Remember that the ideal amount to save in your emergency fund depends on your individual circumstances. While your retirement account should play a role in your long-term financial planning, it shouldn’t be your only emergency fund because accessing the funds might be challenging due to account restrictions.
4. Make Investments
During challenging times in the stock market known as bear markets, people may question the wisdom of investing. However, history has shown that investing is one of the most effective ways to grow your wealth. The magic of compound interest can exponentially increase your money over time, but it’s crucial to give it sufficient time to achieve meaningful growth.
It’s essential to understand that attempting to engage in stock picking like billionaires such as Warren Buffett might not be the best strategy for the average investor. Instead, consider opening an online brokerage account that offers educational resources to help you learn how to invest. Create a well-managed portfolio and set up automatic weekly or monthly contributions.
5. Educate the Children
When we think of the children, we must also consider the impact of our actions on their lives. One of the most crucial aspects is teaching them about the importance of savings and responsible spending. As parents and guardians, we play a vital role as role models because our children often emulate our behaviors especially when it comes to money management.
By instilling financial lessons early on our children, we empower them to develop essential money management skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. As responsible adults, let’s lead by example and ensure a brighter financial future for the next generation.
6. Engage in Negotiation for Savings
Negotiating for goods and services is an often overlooked opportunity to save significant amounts of money. Some people may shy away from negotiating fearing it might make them appear cheap. However, embracing this practice could lead to substantial annual savings.
Small businesses in particular are often open to negotiation especially if you’re buying in bulk or positioning yourself as a loyal customer. Taking advantage of such opportunities can unlock attractive discounts and favorable deals.
7. Stay Informed on Financial Matters
It is said that when you are not well informed, you will remain deformed. Remaining informed about financial issues is essential for making sound financial decisions leading to total financial freedom. Stay updated on changes in tax laws to maximize deductions and adjustments each year. Keep an eye on financial news and developments in the stock market to enable you adjust your investment portfolio accordingly when necessary.
Being knowledgeable is also crucial to protect yourself against potential fraudsters who target unsophisticated investors seeking quick gains. By equipping yourself with financial knowledge, you can safeguard your financial well-being and make informed choices about your investments.
8. Preserve Your Properties
Taking proper care of your belongings whether it’s your car, lawnmower, shoes, gadgets or clothes significantly extends their lifespan. Remember, the cost of maintenance is far less than the cost of replacing items making it a smart investment that shouldn’t be overlooked.
9. Embrace a Frugal Lifestyle
Another step to achieving total financial freedom is living a frugal lifestyle. Living a fulfilling life with less is a powerful mindset that can lead to financial success. Many wealthy individuals achieved their prosperity by mastering the art of living below their means.
Adopting a frugal lifestyle doesn’t mean becoming a minimalist; it means understanding the distinction between what you genuinely need and what you merely want. By making small adjustments and curbing unnecessary expenses, you can achieve substantial financial gains.
10. Seek Professional Financial Guidance
Once you’ve accumulated a considerable amount of wealth, be it liquid assets or fixed assets; consider seeking the expertise of a financial advisor. A professional can help you navigate the complexities of managing your finances and keep you on the right track towards achieving total financial freedom.
11. Prioritize Your Health
Just like any other valuable possession, to achieve total financial freedom, your body requires proper maintenance to function optimally. Taking good care of your physical health not only benefits your well-being but also has a positive impact on your financial health.
Investing in your health is relatively simple which entails regular visits to healthcare professionals and following their advice can go a long way. Basic lifestyle changes like exercising more and adopting a healthier diet can help prevent or mitigate many medical issues.
Neglecting your health on the other hand can have immediate and long-term negative consequences on your financial objectives. For instance, limited sick days at work can lead to income loss, while health-related issues like obesity may cause insurance premiums to soar. Moreover, poor health could force early retirement with reduced monthly income for the rest of your life. Therefore, prioritizing your health is an essential aspect of securing your financial future.
12. Understand the Concept of Cash Flow
It is crucial to grasp the concept of cash flow which encompasses its definition, functioning and an insightful analysis of your household’s financial outgo. Take a moment to carefully examine your income and expenses thereby gaining awareness of your spending habits. Purposefully consider making adjustments where possible to enable you to set aside funds for savings. By doing so, you can cultivate a healthier financial situation and build a foundation for a more secure future.
In Conclusion:
While achieving total financial freedom can be challenging, with discipline and careful planning, it is possible to overcome obstacles such as growing debt, cash emergencies, medical expenses and overspending.
By adhering to these 12 steps and consistently monitoring your budget, you can pave the way to financial stability and reach your goals with confidence. Now read also11 best personal finance tools for effective money management.
