Financial Freedom

Ten Steps to Financial Freedom, How to Gain Financial Freedom, How to Achieve Total Financial Freedom – these are common titles of books and seminars that promise to reveal the techniques to "financial freedom." Enticing, huh?

Well, I have news for those book authors, seminar organizers and you. There is no such a thing as financial freedom! Either they are uninformed or they are just sweet-talking you to buy their book or take their seminar so they can sell you something else. Financial freedom is one of the oxymorons that I discuss in my "Money, Money! Secret Principles of Money and Prosperity" show-seminar. Everybody seems to desire this "no such a thing" concept. The funny thing is that even Robert Kiyosaki, the author of the highly successful book series Rich Dad, Poor Dad uses this catch phrase. His campaign is headlined: Journey to Financial Freedom.

The truth is that while you are alive, you can never be financially free. You can never be free from money or the need for it. Unless, of course, you live alone on an island and not trade with anyone (a most unlikely event) or die. But even when you die, you will still need a lot of money to be buried. Dying is an expensive exercise. The flowers, candles, funeral services, memorial prayers and interment all cost. And it doesn’t end there. As Ambrose Pierce says, "Death is not the end. There remains the litigation." And lawyers are – well, you know. So the next time someone tries to sell you "financial freedom," say, "Dero Pedero says there is no such a thing!"

Financial Security

One of the things most people hope for is financial security. When people are asked what financial security is, they usually answer – a million dollars, a high-paying job with many perks and benefits, being able to retire at 40 or 50. Real financial security is:

• Knowing that whatever happens (even during times of economic crisis, great calamity or war) you and your loved ones will be assured of a comfortable life and a bright future.

• Assured replacement of income upon retirement, disability or death – the three principal causes of permanent loss of income.

• Freedom from money worries, come what may.

• Working when you want, where you want, and with whomever you want.

• Not having to work if you don’t want to.

• Freedom to live however and wherever you choose.

• Freedom from fear and apprehension especially about money matters.

• Freedom to move about, change careers or travel.

• Freedom to self-actualize and achieve your dreams.

• Knowing that you can lose everything and still gain it all back, plus more!

Financial Independence

When writers and seminar speakers say "financial freedom," what they really mean is financial independence. Financial independence is the state of not being dependent on anyone or any company for your finances. Real financial independence is when you don’t have to work for earnings again.

Never work for earnings again? Is that possible? Yes, say the financial experts. And how do you do it? By saving enough capital that will be invested to bring in the earnings for you. Investing is making money work for you to make more money in profits, interests, dividends or capital gains. Investing is foregoing present consumption of money (and the comfort and pleasure it brings) so it can be put to use to make more money for a comfortable and prosperous future.

When you invest, you make money your slave. Instead of you enslaving for money, you turn the tables around and make it do the working and earning for you. Money at work is better and more efficient than people at work. It doesn’t go on vacation, sick leave or maternity leave. Through smart and calculated investing, you can gain future income, profit and financial security. People invest to:

• Ensure a bright future.

• Have financial security and peace of mind.

• Make a fortune.

• Improve their standard of living.

• Have resources in case of an emergency.

• Save to purchase their first or second home.

• Provide for educational costs.

• Insure present assets and earnings.

• Have a hedge against inflation.

• Save for retirement years.

• Protect against disability or death.

• Build an estate for heirs.

Financial Well-Being

Every wise man should work towards his financial well-being. One of the top three money advice I give in my money "showminar" is for you to take care of your financial health. Don’t depend on others for your financial health. I especially encourage wives to try their best to be financially independent from their husbands. What would happen if he suddenly left her for another woman or died? Marital separations usually end up messy, bitter and frustrating because of financial settlement disagreements that heatedly drag on and on. A woman should know how to provide for herself and her children in the absence of her husband.

The state of your financial health will always show. Your money greatly affects your physical health, mental health, emotional health and, yes, even your spiritual health. How can you pray when your stomach is grumbling? Chronic worrying about money can age you fast. Serious money problems can get you sick, too. Therefore, it is important for you to take care of your personal financial health.

Every minute you live, the meter of your expenditure ticks on. You’ve not even waken up and you already owe the electric, water and telecommunication companies a sizable amount. Money is called currency because it is a current thing, a thing of the now. It is like electric current that must move and circulate in and out of our pockets to excite, sustain and increase our lives. You should be concerned about money every day because your daily upkeep requires money. Learn more about money management because the more you know, the easier it will be for you to earn and get rich.

"Money is the root of all evil." That is the belief that has made us develop an unhealthy attitude towards money. The real quotation from 1 Timothy 6:10 of the Bible is "The love of money is the root of all evil." Money is neutral. Like electricity, it can heal or kill. How you use money determines its effect – whether good or bad. Money is truly an amazing human invention that is needed to maintain financial order in this world. As long as it is used with a heart that is not dripping in greed and evil, money can buy wonders for a rich, enjoyable, rewarding and fulfilling life.

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