Achieving financial freedom is a goal many aspire to, but how do you know when you’ve truly passed that financial finish line?
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This concept goes beyond just having a hefty bank balance in your savings account; it’s about living life on your own terms. Whether you have just started investing or have been consistently adding to your retirement accounts, how you reach your short-term or long-term financial goals has many paths.
Financial advisors have an array of methods you should try such as developing passive income streams, diversifying your investment portfolio or even moving your savings to where you can earn the highest interest rates. No matter what financial advice you take, determining when you reach financial freedom will feel differently depending on your ultimate goals.
Here are seven key signs that indicate you’ve reached financial freedom and how you can recognize them when you do.
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Living within or beneath your means is the bedrock of financial freedom. This doesn’t imply scrimping and saving but rather spending wisely in alignment with your income or when your income increases. When you’re financially free, your lifestyle doesn’t strain your finances.
You can comfortably afford your living expenses and occasional luxuries and still have money left over without surviving paycheck to paycheck. This balance is a clear sign that you’re financially comfortable and managing your resources effectively.
High-interest debt, like credit card balances, can be a major obstacle on the road to financial freedom, especially when it can so easily spiral.
If you’ve reached a point where you’re not necessarily debt-free but free from paying high interest, it’s a significant milestone. It indicates not only that you’ve managed past debts well, but also that you’re likely making prudent financial decisions to avoid future high-interest liabilities.
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An emergency fund is your financial safety net, designed to cover unexpected expenses or financial shocks like medical emergencies or job loss.
Having a substantial emergency fund that can cover several months of living expenses is a clear indicator of financial freedom. It means you’re prepared for life’s uncertainties and can handle a multitude of financial scenarios without derailing your stability or spiraling into debt.
Investment growth is a clear sign of financial health. Not putting all of your nest egg investments in one basket and diversifying also helps advance your wealth. If your investments are consistently growing, it’s evidence that you’re not only saving money but also multiplying it.
This growth could come from stocks, bonds, real estate or other alternative investment vehicles. It’s not just about the amount invested, but also sticking to your investment strategy to reach the full potential of your financial plan.
Planning for retirement is a critical component of financial freedom as many estimates say you need at least $1 million to comfortably retire in many states. If you have a solid retirement plan in place and are consistently contributing to it (and matching employer contributions), you’re likely on the path to financial independence.
This doesn’t just mean putting money away but having a strategic plan that ensures you’ll have enough to live comfortably in your later years.
Setting and achieving financial goals is a telltale sign of financial freedom. These goals can vary, from buying a home to funding your children’s education or even traveling the world. Achieving these goals indicates not only financial capability but also the presence of a disciplined approach to financial planning.
Finally, the most profound sign of financial freedom is the psychological aspect. When money becomes a tool for achieving your goals rather than a source of stress, you’ve reached a state of financial serenity.
In this state, financial decisions are driven by goals and values, not by fear or necessity.
The bottom line is that financial freedom is about more than just accumulating wealth; it’s about achieving a state of mental well-being about where and how your money works for you and not the other way around.
It’s a journey that requires discipline, planning and more than a little bit of financial savvy. Recognizing when you achieved this money milestone signifies not just where you are, but also how far you’ve come.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Key Signs You’ve Reached Financial Freedom
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