The cost to live on your own terms

One of the biggest barriers to living and working on your own terms is your financial situation, and the choices you make around it.

Many people are funding lifestyles that don’t necessarily lead to a fulfilling or meaningful life and work.  

There’s a big difference between having a lifestyle and having a life.  

In my younger days, I made the mistake of chasing the lifestyle. It kept me stuck in a corporate career that didn’t feel right for me.  

That all changed when I decided I wanted the freedom to live and work on my own terms.  

To make that happen, I had to rethink how I approached money, especially my mindset, habits, and behaviours.  

Here are some of the rules I made for myself to shift from financing a lifestyle to financing the life I really wanted:  

- Live within your means. Well within your means.  

- Build a freedom fund, and have a strategy to grow it.  

- Review your behaviours, mindset, and habits around money. What needs to change?  

- Don’t do consumer debt. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.  

- Create a financial strategy and plan. Then work the plan. Consistently.  

- Most of us were never taught financial intelligence. Educate yourself. It's a game-changer.  

- Stop caring what people think about your car, house, or clothes. That kind of pressure can lead to choices that steal your freedom.  

- Get expert help. A good financial strategy can help you create the life you want.  

Are your financial choices, behaviours, and mindset moving you closer to freedom, or keeping you stuck?

It's worth checking. 

Which of these points would you benefit from giving some time and attention to? 

Disclaimer: This isn’t financial advice. Just insights from my own experience.