Archive for April, 2011
Financially Free
When I was in college, my dream was to land a great job with a large corporation and move up within the company. My goal was to be gainfully employed, make enough money to provide for my family and create a nice life for my wife and kids. This was just what I was taught by my parents, my teachers, my mentors, my family and friends. I was never aware of any other life. So after graduation, I landed a good job with a good company and I got the paycheck every two weeks but I was so miserable! I wanted to do something more fulfilling. I wanted to do something that really made me happy without having all the restrictions imposed by other people. But I was afraid to make a change. It was the same thing day after day, week after week, month after month. I woke up really early to avoid traffic, drove to the same place at the same time, and I performed the same job and dealt with the same people for years only to come home dead tired and exhausted. Does this sound familiar?
I am here to tell you that you can change your life and you can dream again without any limitations. So if you want to be free, then you need to become financially free. What does it truly mean to be financially free? I guess the answer lies within because it’s different for each and every one of us. Many people associate being financially free with money, lots and lots of money. The money is only a part of the bigger picture because it is just a means to an end. I equate money with choices and freedom which ultimately give you the lifestyle of your dreams.
Money = Choice = Freedom = Means to Fulfill Your Dreams
Let’s say that you win the lottery and take home $65 million dollars after taxes. What would you do? Most people would immediately quit their J.O.B. and probably take a much needed vacation to an exotic place like Hawaii, New Zealand or Aruba. After you travel, then what? Going to the beach every single day for a month gets pretty boring after a couple weeks. So if you just keep spending money on things, vacations, cars, and toys, you probably won’t find happiness.
So there is still something missing – PURPOSE!
Finding a purpose in life is the key to freedom. Why do you want to be financially free? So that you have the time freedom to do what you are meant to do on this earth. True happiness comes when you are able to touch other peoples lives in a meaningful way. This doesn’t require money but money can give you the means to do it. There is a show called “Secret Millionaire” where a very rich person is placed in a town that is going thru some rough times. I am talking about places like Detroit, MI and Gary, IN. The economy has gone south, unemployment is extremely high and the crime rate is off the charts. These people are really struggling and the communities need help. So the millionaire gets a place to stay and about $45 for the week. They are living in the same conditions as a person on food stamps. They go out into the community and find charities to help by becoming a volunteer. The show is awesome because it gives this millionaire a new perspective and it really shows the audience that we can make a difference in our communities. At the end of the show, the millionaire writes a large check to each of the charities and positively impacts so many lives. My wife and I always tear-up because it is such a powerful message.
Here is why I am living financially free
I am a family guy and I always have been because my kids give me the greatest joy in life. I am always so sad when I hear about a family struggling to make it, both parents working and putting the kids in daycare. I like taking my kids to the park or going to the beach when the crowds are minimal. It is so awesome to spend time with the people you love and to be able to balance your time between work and family.
John Chow, a famous Internet marketer, has released a video about financial freedom and what it truly means to him. John and I have similar beliefs and I hope to become as successful as he is one day. This is what it really means to be financially free.
