Most People Think You Have to Work and Save for Years to Achieve Financial Freedom — I Don’t

Everyone is interested in achieving financial freedom right now and I don’t blame them. When you see companies laying off people left and right, you can’t help but 1) crave stability and 2) want to control your destiny.

If you google “financial freedom” you’ll find a plethora of resources about what to do to achieve it, when to know you’ve reached it, and how great your life will be once you have it.

I’m not discounting the tactical advice, it’s certainly needed. But I don’t believe you have to wait until your bank account has a certain balance or you’ve submitted your last resignation letter to feel financially free.

There are two kinds of financial freedom:

Outer Financial Freedom

• Your income and assets cover your expenses
• Your savings are sufficient to make working optional
• You don’t have to rely on others for your financial support
• You have time and resources to pursue whatever your heart desires

Inner Financial Freedom

• You are at peace with your financial situation
• Your choices align with your values and vision
• You are in the driver’s seat of your financial decisions
• You have confidence in your ability to manage your money

Everyone is striving for outer financial freedom, believing it will bring them inner freedom. But that’s backwards thinking.

You can achieve inner financial freedom first. And when you do, you’ll find yourself on a much faster track towards outer financial freedom.