A core pillar (if not the core pillar) of the Financial Independence / FIRE movement is freedom. The freedom to choose how your time is spent, where your focus is directed, and how your energy is utilized.

 

Fun freedom goals

 

Often when individuals become conscious about their financial freedom, they start to feel more empowered to make decisions about their life. Once you reach financial independence, a lot of options open up. However, you certainly don’t need to wait for Financial Independence before you start making really purposeful decisions about your life!

 

At this point it is important to consider: 1. What do you actually want? and 2. How can you make that happen? Life is about balance, and I do not suggest that you quit your job today simply because you want to and have read this blog post! I do, however, suggest that you think very carefully about what your big dreams and goals are for your life, and that you then start working towards them.

 

Move Abroad

 

My partner and I used to dream about living in Australia. We would look at photographs of the beautiful Australian beaches, and enthusiastically listen to stories told by friends of their adventures Down Under. Over a number of years we planned, saved, researched, and saved some more. Covid happened, our family expanded and our plans changed…though our dream didn’t. We kept track of our finances, kept saving, and kept planning. And we’re now happily living in Australia!

 

Travel the World

 

If you dream about living in Italy for a year, or slow traveling around Asia, then I’m here to tell you that you can make this a reality. It’s even possible to do this before you hit the traditional retirement age, if that’s what you want. It does require commitment, saving, and planning, but if you’re reading this blog, then you’re capable of doing that!

 

Options

 

When you’re on top of your money, and you have good financial literacy, you’re equipped to make and execute exciting plans in a way that won’t sabotage your financial future. (Keep an eye out for future posts here on steps to get on top of your money). Some fun options that you might consider are:

 

• Taking a sabbatical (1 month; 3 months; 12 months…)

• Part-time work

• Volunteering

• Permanent retirement

• Career change

 

Most people assume that these options are not open to them. That’s simply not true, regardless of your circumstances. Again, I’m not that these options are available to you tomorrow, but I am saying that understanding FIRE and educating yourself on financial literacy will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work out how to achieve these fun life goals!

 

 

If you have experience in any of the above, we’d love to hear your story! Please share with us.