Reaching “financial independence”

Everyone (including myself) stresses the importance of financial independence, but what does that really mean?

For some, it’s a feeling. For others, it’s concrete.

For me, it’s both.

I think I finally felt like I reached “financial independence” when I hit these major milestones:

I felt and still feel financially independent at all of these points.

Being 100% debt-free (and mortgage-less), I don’t have a single financial obligation to anyone but myself and it’s the #1 financial milestone in my life.

Granted, I can’t retire just yet and live the rest of my days hanging out in Portugal, but after I amass another $1 million or so in the bank, I’ll have hit my last milestone.

It’s just a matter of time, so I’m not worried.

Even if you aren’t debt-free or at all of the major points you hope to be at, you can still feel financially independent if:


About the Author

Just a girl trying to find a balance between being a Shopaholic and a Saver. I cleared $60,000 in 18 months earning $65,000 gross/year. Now I am self-employed, and you can read more about my story here, or visit my other blog: The Everyday Minimalist.