With the cost of living constantly rising and people’s personal debt on the increase, the question of financial freedom is in most people’s minds. How to achieve it and live a life that is debt free, or at the least, where the ability to pay everyday expenses and provide for the family without needing to go into debt is the goal for most people.
Achieving financial freedom need not be difficult. People with a poor credit rating can turn their lives around and achieve a better rating simply by making financial goals for their life. Financial planning is not just for the rich and famous. Anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom must and should engage in financial planning.
Achieving financial freedom involves three major steps that you should plan on.
Creating a Budget
Creating a budget means ensuring income does not exceed expenditure and the goal of the budget is to create a lifestyle plan that covers all expenses and provides extra for saving and personal spending. It involves not only listing the current income sources, but potential other sources to increase income if required. The interest paid on debts is a constant drain on finances. While it may seem logical to pay out small debts and then focus on the large ones, in fact paying off the larger debts first will save money in the long term.
Living by that Budget
A budget is only as successful if there is a commitment to live within the budget and resist impulse buying and anything that may cause voluntary over expenditure. The exception to this rule is the true emergency, which although not budgeted is covered by the savings plan you have put in place. If you have plans to buy household furniture or other expensive items, delay doing this you are debt free
Increasing Savings
Allocate a weekly fixed amount of money as savings. Do not compromise on this amount for any reason. It is your key to future financial freedom.
Conclusion
Financial planning is about taking control of your financial situation instead of allowing it to control you. It is about creating goals and then committing to them. The reward for this action is the financial freedom you are craving. It will enable you to be debt-free and save money regularly, while also having money to spend on the things you enjoy most in life.