Do you sometimes feel the urge to create a more independent life, free from dependence on others? It’s a common human urge to become self-reliant, and thousands of people make the vow every day. Of course, some are better at sticking with the aim than others.
However, with the right attitude and a few good ideas about how to approach the challenge, it’s entirely possible to become fully independent in a matter of months. Lifestyle changes, especially ones that result in long-term improvement, require effort and perseverance.
Don’t look for overnight changes or quick fixes; that’s not what gaining independence is all about. Instead, it focuses on things like acquiring the right education, developing financial responsibility, keeping your body in good shape, using non-traditional forms of energy to power your home, creating a professional network, learning how to save money regularly and effortlessly, never being unemployed for more than a few weeks, establishing an investing plan, and more. Because education is the cornerstone of so many life achievements, it’s the ideal place to begin.
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Get Educated
Education is the core component of a successful career and rewarding life. Whether you choose to attend college or trade school, make a point to get the schooling that suits your long-term goals. There’s nothing wrong with spending a few years exploring various fields and taking an assortment of entry-level jobs. Eventually, focus on one area you enjoy the most and in which you can acquire higher-level skills.
Watch Your Health
The old saying is right on the mark that when you have your health, you have just about everything. Making regular visits to the doctor, avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking, and refraining from extreme sports can significantly contribute to a longer life. This indisputable fact can work in your favor and give you many years of independent, rewarding living.
The single best thing you can do to maintain a healthy body is to speak with your doctor and ask whether you should make any lifestyle changes. Physicians can deliver honest, succinct advice. By following it, you could be one step closer to achieving freedom from long-term health problems.
Save Like a Pro
If you could see into the personal lives of all the world’s most successful people, the chances are that you’d discover they are all excellent at saving money. It’s not the amounts that make a difference, especially early in one’s career. One of the single most positive character traits of adults is the ability to save regularly. There are dozens of ways to nurture this trait in yourself.
For working people, an easy way to instil the habit is to set up an automatic deduction on every paycheck. Consider setting a fixed percentage of income that goes directly to a designated savings account. Financial stability and sound savings habits are the two cornerstones of financial health. The upshot of setting aside a fixed percentage of all your income is personal freedom.
Borrow When Necessary
Being smart about money is an essential piece of the independence puzzle. If one of your primary life goals, like taking a certification class or attending specialized training, is costly, don’t hesitate to borrow. Taking out a personal loan is the preferred option for many hard-working adults who choose to switch careers, invest in a small business, or otherwise improve their lot in life.
Personal loans come with many advantages, some obvious and some not. In addition to helping borrowers pay for immediate expenses associated with career advancement or a small home improvement, loans can be a powerful way of enhancing a person’s credit scores when they’re repaid on time. Lenders report to major credit bureaus, so timely repayment can go a long way toward improving ratings and giving the borrower long-term financial stability.
Use Solar Energy
For decades, the solar energy industry was stuck in a rut. Only large companies and institutions could afford to order large enough arrays to deliver savings. Nowadays, with recent advances in technology and lower prices, individual homeowners are discovering that solar can be a worthwhile investment. Many localities offer tax incentives and credits to consumers who outfit their homes with solar setups on rooftops or ground-based arrays.
In geographic regions that receive excessive sunlight, it’s possible to break free from the power grid and produce almost all the energy you need to operate a household. Explore the prices and opportunities of solar energy in your area, being sure to compare prices and ask for at least three estimates from contractors before going ahead with an installation.
Avoid Long-Term Unemployment
Independent-minded adults know the secret of never being broke is continuous employment. Even if you lose your main job and are in the process of hunting for another, try to take a minimum-wage gig in between. That way, you’ll always have cash flow and might pick up a few worthwhile job skills while you’re at it.
Build a Professional Network
Networking is perhaps the most underrated piece of the success puzzle. Those who have the financial freedom to do as they wish are invariably good networkers. They keep the names, email addresses, and phone numbers of anyone who can help them advance their careers. They stay in contact with many people in their network via social media posts, occasional phone calls, and group lunches.
When done properly, networking lets you build your employment agency. Professionals who have large networks rarely fear being laid off or out of work. When you know 50 or more people in your industry, you’ve already achieved a high level of career freedom and security. That’s what networking is all about.
Invest for the Long Haul
Survivors know the importance of investing for the long-term outcome, not for short-term goals. Personal and fiscal freedom is closely related to retirement planning. Those who devote themselves to preparing for the future are already a step ahead of the game. If this type of planning is not your specialty, work with a licensed professional who can guide you in setting up a realistic retirement savings plan.
