Thoughts of freedom and independence tend to bloom around this time of year, with the 4th of July celebrations just around the corner. 

Financial independence is a goal everyone would love to achieve. It’s a nice thought, and for many, it stays a thought. However, a growing movement of people is working hard to gain financial freedom, sometimes referred to as FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). 

But what does financial independence really mean, and is it achievable?

What is financial independence?

Financial independence can be defined in a few different ways. For some, it’s to have enough money to never work again. This is usually referred to as the FIRE movement. 

For others, financial independence is more about freedom, not necessarily retirement. For example, freedom to only work on projects you love, work part-time, or even just to have enough money, so you won’t have to worry. 

Financial independence can look different for everyone, but below are some steps that can apply to anyone wanting more independence with their finances.

5 steps to achieve financial independence

1. Decide on your goals and be specific

As financial independence can look different for everyone, the first step is to decide what it looks like for you. What is your overall aim? What are the little goals you want to reach on your way to financial independence?

As with any goal, the more specific and measurable your goals are, the more likely you are to achieve them. So, get specific here. Have a figure in mind, write it down, and work backwards. What’s your plan to achieve it?

2. Write down everything in your path 

Financial independence is not an easy thing to achieve. There can be many roadblocks along the way. Take some time to write these down so you can deal with them head-on.

For example, you may have some debt hanging over your head, like credit card debt, a mortgage, or student loans to pay off. Maybe you have some bad overspending habits you need to put an end to. Perhaps your biggest roadblock is your income. 

Once you have a clear understanding of the path ahead and its roadblocks, you can plan your route more clearly. 

3. Make a career or business action plan

One of the most helpful things you can do to achieve financial independence is to increase your income consistently. With more money to use, you can make your savings go further and get closer to your goals. 

Making more money is far easier said than done, but don’t accept your lot. Always look for ways to develop your skills, network, and experience to keep your career moving forward. 

If you’re self-employed, increasing profits is probably already on your mind. But don’t just rely on the business plan you made when you first started. Always revisit it and put together a clear plan of action for how you will increase your revenue. 

4. Live beneath your means

One of the reasons so few people achieve financial independence is because it involves making some tough choices. It means living way beneath your means now, being frugal, budgeting well, and making your money go further. 

One mistake people may make with financial independence is losing sight of this. Living below your means isn’t just for the saving portion of your FIRE journey. Once you have enough to live independently, that’s not the time to start overspending.

A lot of people struggle with this idea, especially if they finally achieve their goal and are able to retire early. But the key thing to know about the FIRE movement is that it’s not just a goal; it’s a lifestyle. Instead of splashing out as soon as you hit your goals, try to maintain your new spending routine. A great way to do this is to look into a prepaid card that can help you avoid overspending, like Brink's Money Prepaid Mastercard.

5. Always invest

The best way to make your money grow is to invest it. Invest often and for the long term, not just for quick returns. Try to get into the habit of regularly investing each month, even if it’s a small amount. 

There will be dips in the market, but sticking with it for the long haul almost always results in a good return. Learn how to invest smartly by talking to a financial planner or reaching out to various investment firms.

How to become financially independent is all about commitment

Above all else, to achieve financial freedom is to make a commitment to your goals and stick with it. It’s not an easy thing to do but can be transformative for your life. 

Your best tools are solid planning, commitment, investing, living below your means, and increasing your income where possible. 

For a simple yet effective tool, that could help you control your spending, and give you peace of mind for your money, check out the Brink's Money Prepaid Mastercard.

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