### Step 1: Start Saving
To achieve financial independence, you need to have a substantial amount of money saved up. While some people may choose to avoid using money altogether, most of us will need a significant fund to live comfortably without working. We’ll discuss just how much you need in the coming days, but for now, understand that every little bit counts. The goal is for your savings and investments to generate interest, dividends, and rental income that will let you live worry-free, without having to work. Sounds great, right?
There are countless saving tips out there, ranging from skipping your daily coffee run to cutting your own hair. Some tips, like the haircut idea, might seem a bit extreme.
So how do I manage to save money? For starters, I don’t own a house. Well, technically, I own two properties, but I rent them out and use that rental income to fund my travels. When I’m on the road, I camp, stay in hotels, or rent apartments if I’m planning a longer stay.
I also don’t own a car. I recently bought a motorcycle, but before that, I depended entirely on my bicycle and public transportation. It works just fine. Sure, it’s less convenient, but it’s a small price to pay for never having to step into an office again.
To reach financial independence, you need to start saving money as soon as possible. Just get started—know the difference between your needs and wants. Is that shopping spree worth it, or would you rather achieve financial independence a bit sooner? It may be challenging, like sticking to a diet, but the rewards are enormous if you stay motivated.
This is your first step toward financial independence: put money aside for your financially free future!