Blog — Sisters for Financial Independence (2024)

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Aug 16

Substitute the Word Money with the Word Freedom: Phrases to Try

Catherine Agopcan

Financial Education, Financial Basics, Alternative Lifestyle

"A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life."

Listen to the audio version of this post.

I recently came across an article written by Whitney Cummings on the last page of Money Magazine. She talks about her personal money management, but more importantly how she started substituting the word money for the word freedom. So I thought I would compile a list of phrases with this substitution. It's important to note that sometimes changing our language changes our mindset in a whole new way even if we haven't fully internalized it yet. Try these on for size. Speak them out loud. How does saying one versus the other make you feel?

It's always important to understand that money isn't just money. We exchange our time for money (via jobs) and therefore we can exchange back money for time (retirement).

The first quote is from Whitney Cumming's in the article above.

This post contains affiliate links. See Disclosures for details.

Should I give some of my money to a friend who shows no signs of wanting to get her own life together and earning her own money, but keeps asking for some of my money?

“Should I give some of my freedom to a friend who shows no signs of wanting to get her own life together and earning her own freedom, but keeps asking for some of my freedom?”

Should I spend some of my money to buy this dress that looks great, but I may wear once or twice?

Should I spend some of my freedom to buy this dress that looks great, but I may wear once or twice?

I need my money now so I haven't set up a 401K or an IRA yet. I'll get to saving money for my retirement later on.

I need my freedom now so I haven't set up a 401K or IRA yet. I'll get to saving for my retirement freedom later on.

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financial basics, spending, budget, being basic, debt

Is Being Basic Costing You Money?

financial basics, spending, budget, being basic, debt

Is being basic costing you money?

There's been a term floating around for a few years now called "basic." Urban Dictionary defines it as someone who "engages in typical, unoriginal behaviors, modes of dress, speech, and likes." Is there anything wrong with liking the things that are being mass marketed to us? Absolutely not, BUT, sometimes we have to start doing the unconventional to be able to get off of the same hamster wheel that everyone is on. Being average in the world of Financial Independence sometimes carries a price.

financial basics, spending, budget, being basic, debt

I only live once. It's OK if I spend all of my money today. I'll earn more money in the future.

I only live once. It's OK if I spend all of my freedom today. I'll earn more freedom in the future.

I can just borrow money later. It's easy.

I can just borrow my freedom later. It's easy.

I owe so much money to these lenders. I don't know what to do.

I owe so much of my freedom to these lenders. I don't know what to do.

I want to invest so that I can have more money.

I want to invest so that I can have more freedom.

“I spent money impulsively and I gave money to whoever asked. It was all going pretty well, or so I thought, until one of my parents got sick…without health insurance. All of a sudden I needed all the money I had ever spent on shoes, fancy juices, and other people’s problems.”

I'm saving my money instead of spending it all.

I'm saving my freedom instead of spending it all.

Learn more about how money mindset affects you by watching this video with Rami Sethi from I Will Teach You To Be Rich. Share it with someone who can use a spark.

If you are ready to crush your debt, the first thing that needs to be done is to face the facts and calculate how much you have, then get pointers from David Bach, author of 9 best selling NYT books, on crushing debt.

Do you have a phrase you'd like to add to this list? Comment below.

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Blog — Sisters for Financial Independence (2024)

FAQs

How much money do you need to be financially independent? ›

Americans say they'd need to earn about $94,000 a year on average to feel financially independent. That's about $20,000 more than the median household income of $74,580.

How to reach financial freedom 12 habits to get you there? ›

That is the ultimate goal of a long-term financial plan.
  1. Set Life Goals.
  2. Make a Monthly Budget.
  3. Pay off Credit Cards in Full.
  4. Create Automatic Savings.
  5. Start Investing Now.
  6. Watch Your Credit Score.
  7. Negotiate for Goods and Services.
  8. Stay Educated on Financial Issues.

What is the formula for financial freedom? ›

50-20-30 rules is an easy way to know how to achieve financial freedom in 5 years. Split the cash-in-hand into 3 equal parts as per the rule. 30% of income is spent on wants, 50% on needs, and 20% is set aside for savings and investments.

What is the 50 20 30 budget rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals.

What is the 30 day rule? ›

The premise of the 30-day savings rule is straightforward: When faced with the temptation of an impulse purchase, wait 30 days before committing to the buy. During this time, take the opportunity to evaluate the necessity and impact of the purchase on your overall financial goals.

Can I retire at 55 with 300k? ›

On average for a comfortable retirement, an individual will spend £43,100 a year, whilst the average couple in retirement spends £59,000 a year. This means if you retire at 55 with £300k, an individual will run out of funds in approximately 7 years, and a couple in 5 years. So, on paper, it doesn't look like enough.

Can I retire at 40 with 500k? ›

The short answer is yes, $500,000 is enough for many retirees. The question is how that will work out for you. With an income source like Social Security, modes spending, and a bit of good luck, this is feasible. And when two people in your household get Social Security or pension income, it's even easier.

At what age do most become financially independent? ›

Among the key findings: 45% of young adults say they are completely financially independent from their parents. Among those in their early 30s, that share rises to 67%, compared with 44% of those ages 25 to 29 and 16% of those ages 18 to 24.

How do I turn my financial life around? ›

Browse through each to determine if there's room for improvement or if you are good to go:
  1. Get your overspending under control. ...
  2. Create a new budget. ...
  3. Find a budgeting app you like. ...
  4. Make a will. ...
  5. Protect your savings from inflation. ...
  6. Prepare for rising interest rates. ...
  7. Prepare now for your next major life event.

How to be financially independent without a job? ›

Whatever your definition of financial independence, the following tips can help you achieve it.
  1. Know Your Finances. ...
  2. Reduce Debt. ...
  3. Live Below Your Means. ...
  4. Increase Your Income. ...
  5. Invest in Your Future. ...
  6. Build an Emergency Fund. ...
  7. Monitor Your Credit Score. ...
  8. Seek Professional Financial Help.
Jul 3, 2023

What is passive income for financial freedom? ›

Moreover, passive income streams, such as rental properties, dividends, or online businesses, can free up time, affording you the opportunity to pursue personal interests and passions or to focus on further expanding your financial portfolio.

How do I create a financial freedom plan? ›

How to Achieve Financial Freedom
  1. Clearly Define Your Financial Goals. Start this process by clearly defining your financial goals. ...
  2. Track and Analyze Your Spending. ...
  3. Create a Budget. ...
  4. Pay Off Your Debt. ...
  5. Start Investing. ...
  6. Create Multiple Streams of Income. ...
  7. Save for the Future.
Jan 24, 2024

What does financial freedom begin with? ›

Create a Budget and Stick to It: One of the fundamental pillars of financial stability is creating a budget. Take the time to track your income and expenses, categorizing where your money goes each month. This exercise not only helps you understand your spending patterns but also allows you to allocate funds wisely.

What are the Dave Ramsey 7 steps? ›

You can too!
  • Save $1,000 for Your Starter Emergency Fund.
  • Pay Off All Debt (Except the House) Using the Debt Snowball.
  • Save 3–6 Months of Expenses in a Fully Funded Emergency Fund.
  • Invest 15% of Your Household Income in Retirement.
  • Save for Your Children's College Fund.
  • Pay Off Your Home Early.
  • Build Wealth and Give.

What are the 7 steps to Dave Ramsey's baby steps of savings? ›

Dave Ramsey's post
  • Put $1,000 in a beginner emergency fund.
  • Pay off all debt using the debt snowball.
  • Put 3–6 months of expenses into savings as a full. emergency fund.
  • Invest 15% of your household income for retirement.
  • Begin college funding for your kids.
  • Pay off your home early.
  • Build wealth and give generously.
Mar 19, 2024

What are the 3 building blocks of financial freedom? ›

The main aspects in achieving financial security is budgeting, reducing expenses, eliminating debt, and increasing savings. These four aspects are the building blocks to financial freedom and will help you kick-start your financial success.

What are the four pillars of financial freedom? ›

Are you financially healthy? Many financial experts agree that financial health includes four key components: Spend, Save, Borrow, and Plan. It is crucial that you actively work on improving the health of each one.

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