This article is part of a 30-day series called the 30 Steps Program to Financial Independence.
We all have dreams about a life where money isn’t a concern, or where we don’t have to work at all. What would your dream life look like? Would you fish all day, spend time with family, or volunteer?
I often imagine my future, and it’s not about having tons of money or living in a huge mansion with a fancy car. Instead, I see a simple life filled with activities and close relationships with my family and friends.
Sometimes, I picture myself in the countryside, growing vegetables, making cheese, fixing up a house, and maybe running a small bed and breakfast. Other times, I envision living in Paris, but also traveling the world—from New York to hidden Caribbean beaches. My ideal financially independent life would be somewhere in between these two extremes.
Since I want a family and kids someday, constant traveling wouldn’t work. I’d need to find a place to settle down. Right now, buying property in or near Paris or any big city is out of my budget. I’d have to move to the countryside if I want to keep some savings for travel and avoid working full-time.
Imagine you’ve quit your job and are about to start your dream life. Congratulations! It took years of effort, but it’s been worth it, right?
I’m not there yet, but I’m getting closer. I already have some freedom and a bit of passive income, which means I don’t have to work as much as others.
This is already enjoyable, and it will only get better when my passive income covers all my expenses. That’s the ultimate goal. Once you reach financial independence, you can focus on what truly matters to you, what you love and are passionate about.
Reaching this goal may seem far away, but if you pursue it wholeheartedly, you’ll get there eventually.