1. Define What Freedom Means to You

Financial freedom isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some, it’s retiring at 40. For others, it’s being debt-free with enough savings to quit a toxic job. The first step? Get specific. Do you want to travel more, own a home outright, or just stop stressing about bills? Write it down. When your goals are clear, your plan becomes less about numbers and more about purpose—which keeps you motivated when things get tough.

2. Destroy Bad Debt—That Stuff’s a Freedom Killer

High-interest debt (credit cards, payday loans, etc.) is like financial quicksand. You’re not building wealth if most of your money is going to interest.