Introduction
Financial freedom. Two powerful words that sound like a dream, donāt they?
For many, it feels like a far-off destination reserved for millionaires or finance gurus. But the truth is, financial freedom is a journey, not a jackpot. It doesnāt begin with a windfall. It begins with awareness, discipline, and one intentional decision at a time.
My journey started at a point where many people find themselvesāstruggling to make ends meet, despite working full-time. I wasn’t reckless with money. I was just unaware of how silently it was slipping through my fingers. Until one day, I decided to take control. That day marked my first real step toward financial freedom.
šø Budgeting: The Starting Line of a New Chapter
Every transformation begins with clarity. I sat down with a notepad and my bank statements, ready to face the numbers. What I found surprised me more than I expectedāover 50% of my income was going straight into rent.
I lived in a small one-bedroom apartment. Comfortable, yes. Affordable? Not even close. Including bills and council tax, my monthly cost crossed Ā£1,000. Add in expensive train fares to work, and my income was vanishing before I even got to enjoy it.
That moment of realization hit me hard. If I didnāt change something soon, Iād never escape this cycle. So, I made a bold, practical move.
š Smart Housing Decision: Slashing Costs, Gaining Control
I moved into a shared house closer to my workplace. Not exactly glamorous, but incredibly smart. My rent dropped to Ā£600 per month, bills included. No more long train rides, and no more sky-high living expenses.
This one decision saved me Ā£400 in rent and around Ā£200 in transport costs every single month. Thatās a Ā£600 monthly gain just by rethinking my living situation.
To top it off, I cut my home Wi-Fi. With reliable mobile data and work internet, I trimmed another Ā£35 monthly. These may seem like small tweaks, but they created breathing room in my budget and helped me feel in control for the first time in a long time.
š Tracking Expenses: Where the Real Numbers Live
Budgeting wasnāt enoughāI needed precision. I downloaded a money manager app and began tracking every single expense. From coffee runs to monthly subscriptions, I started seeing patterns I hadnāt noticed before.
To stay organized, I opened three separate bank accounts:
- One for my salary and bills
- One purely for investments
- One dedicated to an emergency fund
For daily spending, I use a credit card, but only when I know I can pay it off in full. This way, I avoid interest and sometimes even earn cashback or points. No more financial fogājust clarity and intention.
š° Net Worth Reality Check: Facing the Hard Truth
Letās be honestāmy Net worth is currently negative Ā£16,000.
I calculated net worth by deducting total liabilities from my total assets. It’s a tough number to swallow. But I choose to face it head-on. Because if I ignore it, it grows. If I track it, I can change it.
Knowing where I stand financiallyādown to the last poundāisnāt demoralizing anymore. Itās empowering. Iām no longer drifting, Iām steering.
šÆ Financial Goals: The Long View with a Clear Target
Once I understood my current financial position, I set my sights on the future. Based on my expenses, I calculated that Iād need around Ā£450,000 to achieve full financial freedomāthat’s 24 times my monthly spending.
That number is big. But Iām not intimidated. Because Iāve broken it down.
My short-term goal is to reach a Ā£50,000 net worth and eliminate all debt within 3 years. Small goals create momentum. And momentum creates change.
š Investing Strategy: Where Money Begins to Work for You
To grow my savings, I began investing with intent. I use platforms like Trading 212 for stocks, and Binance and Kraken for crypto. Here’s how I break it down:
- 70% in stocks ā stable, long-term growth
- 10% in crypto ā high-risk, high-reward
- 20% in self-development ā because investing in your skills pays for life
I also put money into Nepali stocks, supporting my home market and diversifying my portfolio. These decisions arenāt just about returnsātheyāre about building a financial system that works for me.
š§ š¼ Skills and Career Growth: Income Is a Lever
Its true saving helps but earning more is game-changing.
Thatās why Iām learning data analysis. Itās a future-proof skill that opens doors to higher-paying roles, freelance gigs, and remote opportunities. Iām treating this learning process like an investmentābecause thatās exactly what it is.
Knowledge compounds. Every new skill widens the path to freedom.
šļø ā¤ļø Health and Balance: The Hidden Wealth
Money mattersābut not more than your well-being.
I make time for the gym, nurture my love for photography, and constantly explore new skills. These things ground me. They remind me that wealth is not just financialāitās emotional, physical, and creative.
Financial freedom should support your life, not replace it.
š Final Thoughts
The journey to financial freedom doesnāt begin with riches. It begins with a single step: choosing to take control. Whether your net worth is negative or you’re just starting to think about your finances, remember thisāyou are not behind.
Every pound saved, every smart decision made, every new skill learnedāit all counts.
So, start where you are. Build with what you have.
And keep moving forward, one intentional step at a time.
