Financial Freedom is the goal of my Year-Long Adventure Toward Freedom that started in June (2015). Part of my process has been defining what “Financial Freedom” means to me –it’s different for everyone. I think a lot of people have the idea that Financially Free people are super rich, the big expensive house, vacation homes, fancy cars, elaborate jewelry and outlandish vacations. For some people – this may be the goal of Financial Freedom.
For me, Financial Freedom is having enough passive income to cover all of my expenses. Also maintaining zero debt (with the exception of mortgage debt which passive income streams pay for). There’s another question that needs to go along with “What is Financial Freedom to you?” and it is “What is your WHY for desiring financial freedom?”
We just spent a month in my hometown of Chillicothe, MO. My sister and brother-in-law are gracious hosts and allow us to park our RV in their driveway (it’s a beautiful camping spot). This is the longest period of time I’ve spent at home for over 25 years, and we had an absolute blast. We’re driving down the highway now, heading back home to Texas and I miss my family and friend Brenda terribly.
Last year my Mom passed away. As my family shared stories and memories about my Mom I was saddened that I missed so much. I missed all the fun family times they had, celebrating birthdays, family get together’s, bbq’s, card games, etc. I missed the little things in life that are priceless.
This last month was action-packed and so many wonderful memories were made:
- State Fair in Sedalia, MO with a bonus Alabama concert with family
- Family fish fry, and my cousins even went along with the silly games I had lined up
- Lots of morning walks with one of my dearest friends
- Family card night, with lots of laughter and pranks
- Wednesday night became a weekly date for Happy Hour at the local bowling alley
- And just lots of time visiting with family members and friends
Living in Texas over the last 25+ years, I’d lost touch with my cousins and hometown friends, I have absolutely treasured reconnecting and spending time. I want to create more of this in my life.
I also love adventures and want nothing more than to spend time traveling the country in our RV and explore beautiful places. I’ve spent the last 2 days in Jessieville, AR at Ron Coleman’s Crystal Mine, digging in the dirt. And guess what, I met a few folks who are financially free. Dale is a retiree from Michigan, his pension and investments more than pay for his living expenses. Dale lives in a modest travel trailer and has spent the last couple of months digging at the crystal mine. In the winter months he’ll head to Florida to visit relatives, then onto Tucson, AZ and Quartzite, AZ in January/February for their big Rock and Gem shows, he is a professed “Rock Hound”. I also met Stan and Mary. They are both retired, again living on their investments. They still have a stick and brick home in Oklahoma, but also have a brand new 5th wheel trailer and ¾ Ton Pickup. Stan had done very well in his career, and his advise was – if you have extra money, spend it on things that will make you happy.
I’ve learned over the years that “stuff” doesn’t make me happy. Spending time with special people, exploring beautiful places, and having fun adventures fill my life with happiness.
So 2 questions for you today – 1. What does financial freedom mean to you? And 2. What is your why?
Adventure Toward Freedom 