My Journey To Financial Independence

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Recently, I subscribed to a podcast called Choose FI (Financial Independence). After listening to the hosts of the show on another podcast called Journey to Launch, I was inspired! Have you ever heard of the saying, “you can’t eat just one potato chip?” I couldn’t stop at just one episode.  I binge listened and I was really intrigued by the knowledge they were kicking! Brad and Jonathan’s, the hosts of the podcast, approach to reaching financial independence opened my mind to the idea that this life is attainable. They do not have a “one size financial plan fits all” solution which was really refreshing in comparison to some other financial experts.  In fact, the goal is to provide you with valuable information and to build a community to help you get to the finish line regardless of your circumstances.

The hosts have interviewed guests with diverse perspectives on how to proceed with this journey. Episode 21 regarding the 10 pillars of financial independence really caught my attention.  Click here to read the entire article. After listening to this episode, I immediately lowered my cell phone bill, got advice about how to lower my grocery bill, and increased my deferred compensation contribution again. I also added more money towards my car payment.

After listening to several episodes, I joined the Choose FI Facebook group. Because the community has over 6,000 members, Brad and Jonathan decided to establish subgroups in each city in addition to the main group. Currently, I am an admin for the Baltimore Choose FI group. The community is full of financially independent people who offer great advice on several financial topics. I asked about student loans, using credit cards as tools for travel rewards and selling items on eBay. Several community members provided valuable information. Being part of this community makes you appreciate your journey.  Community members have reached out to me personally to share valuable life tips on how to reduce my spending in certain areas. I had to sit down and tweak my budget yet again. It is a process.

Although my student loan payments are equivalent to a small house payment, I’m excited to begin this journey because others have shared their stories about how they were able to become debt free. I’ve always thought that having debt is part of life until the day you die. My new perspective is it doesn’t have to be.

Another philosophy of the FI community is taking your time back. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be debt free by making a few smart choices that will allow you to retire earlier? I don’t know about you, but my time is valuable.

The holidays are quickly approaching. One community member shared her gift-giving philosophy. She buys her children something they want, something they need, and something to read. I have also learned that I don’t need more space to live in, I just need less stuff. I immediately started finding things around the house to sell or donate.

Readers, do have any tips or “life hacks” to share with our community to help them save money? Have you “tuned up” your budget lately?

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