Financial Independence is that point in life where you work because you want to, not because you have to. I’ve been helping people with their financial planning and investment needs my entire adult life and I have to say, this is the ultimate goal that most people want to achieve.

There are exceptions, but for most of us, financial independence is a journey. I love the saying “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Achieving financial independence is about making smart financial decisions on a consistent basis, being strategic and then disciplined about how you invest your money.

If you’ve read the blog in order, you’ll notice that all of the key areas discussed play a key role in leading to financial independence and are enhanced even more when financial independence is achieved.

Let’s take a quick look at how the areas are intertwined. Ask yourself what each area looks like in your own life. Would it change if you were financially independent? If so, how? What are the things you can start incorporating now that would be consistent in how you would live if you were financially independent? The challenge is to implement these changes.

Life Philosophy- it’s imperative to have a great outlook on life, a vision, a guidance system for making good decisions

Key Relationships- it’s critical to surround yourself with people who support, encourage, and believe in you

Personal Development- as we work on making ourselves better- spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, we make ourselves more attractive and better for others.

Career/Next Endeavor- if we have the previous three things in place, it naturally puts us in a position to achieve greater things in our career. When we're great at what we do, healthy compensation and benefits typically follow. This triggers the need for great planning and investment decisions.

Financial Independence- Some people go around saying, "Money isn't everything, Money isn't important." Of course money is important, it gives us the freedom to do what we want, and afford even the basic necessities in life. How would you fill in this blank, "Money is important, it gives me the freedom to _______________________________________________.

Fun and Adventure- being sure to incorporate fun and adventure along the way reminds us to live life in the present as we have no guarantees for tomorrow. Achieving financial independence allows you to have even more fun and adventure in your life.

Impact Others- we are often most fulfilled when we contribute to things/causes that are bigger than ourselves. Achieving financial independence allows you to have even more of an impact on the things you’re passionate about.

The bottom line is that financial independence doesn’t change who we are, it just allows us to do and be more of who we already are. In future blogs, I’ll start chipping away at the financial disciplines that lead to financial independence.

Plan, Invest, Live™

Adam