The American Dream

Paycheck to pay. Overdraft fees. Never making enough to cover bills and that extra monthly amount of miscellaneous expenses that always creep their way into your bank account and leave with more than expected. This is the “American Dream” we have been taught. But it doesn’t have to be this way. I believe in a different American Dream of true freedom. We live in a time where we have the ability to look around and see opportunity everywhere to change these circumstances. But first we have to be accountable!

Step 1: Track your expenses. You cant know how to change your current financial situation if you don’t know what your current financial situation is in the first place! Become aware of where your money is going!

Step 2: Analyze Expenses. I am not saying to give up the things that you enjoy or make you happy, but at least analyze your expenses. What is important to you and what do you feel you could do without? Rather, what are you currently paying for that in reality, you rarely use or utilize as a service? What is your largest expense? Could it be cut down somehow and if so, how much could that save you monthly/annually? You will find that the small costs can end up being big costs on an annual basis!

Step 3: Make the change. Once you have identified what is important, make the change to your lifestyle and even better, your finances! Negotiate a better deal on a service that you aren’t necessarily willing to give up! Shop around for services! Find hobbies that don’t cost money to enjoy! Or better yet, find a hobby that pays you! Now take that money that you have saved in doing this, and save it or invest it! Better yet, do both! Remember that old saying, work smarter not harder! Its time our generation started thinking more along those lines. Learn to let your money make you money!

Lastly, Look for a side hustle! You have free time! We all do! So why not make money in this spare time doing something you enjoy! We live in a day and age where you can literally make money walking someone’s dog for them, renting out your car/RV/bike, or you can even make money delivering someone their fast food! (Yes, people will pay you to bring them McDonalds). And if none of that interests you, find that something that does and offer that service or pursue the education needed to do something that interests you all the while making money! All of these things will put you into a more stable, positive financial situation! And while money does not bring nor create happiness, living a life without the stress of finances weighing on you can make living a happier, stress free life much more feasible! 

Equally important as all mentioned above, be sure to think about what financial freedom means to you. What would you do differently with your life if money wasn’t an object? What is your “Why” for wanting to pursue financial freedom? The answers to these questions will reveal a lot more about yourself and what you want in life that you might realize. And hopefully, they will spark a motivation to embark on the journey to change your life and never look back!