Before we address the issue at hand, let’s make sure that we are clear on the definition of financial freedom. Up until 4 or 5 years ago, I had a warped perception of financial freedom. I pictured it as a life of leisure with a couple million dollars in the bank. After taking on too many unnecessary risks trying to attain that goal, I stopped to rethink my definition. I realized that financial freedom doesn’t require millions of dollars. As long as you have enough to cover your yearly expenses and a method to replenish your coffers, you are there. That sounds sort of like a job. However, even using that as a definition only a few working people would meet the criteria. Most need a job and a few credit cards to make ends meet. I redefined it as follows:
Financial Freedom is freedom to focus on what is truly important to you and your family without having to trade time for a wage. It is enabled by a portfolio of income producing assets, managed by you, which generates sufficient income to cover your yearly expenses on an ongoing basis. It provides both time and money.
That is significantly different than my original definition, but much more achievable. It requires that your days be spent maximizing the return on your eBay business, rental properties or other assets. Unfortunately, it is no life of leisure. However, the intent is to generate your income in far fewer hours than the standard 9 to 5. If structured correctly the revenue will continue to come in while vacationing or on the golf course.
We have prepared our entire lives for the time for money swap. It is simply what responsible people do. You commit 40, 50 or 60 hours per week and the company commits to pay you for your efforts and in some cases extremely well. The concept of not exchanging your time for a wage is so far out of the comfort zone for most; financial freedom will never be seriously considered. Many will dream about it, but life will slap them back into reality. The few who choose to ignore life’s slap – must be willing to make the following three commitments.
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