March 16, 2020
Self Improvement

Why Pursuing Financial Independence is a Worthy Goal

why pursuing financial independence is a worthy goal
A report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that the employment rate in the Philippines stands at around 94.6 percent as of July 2019. Of the total employed individuals, at least 67.4 percent were working full-time or 40 (or more) hours in a given week. This means that many Filipinos are working for a paycheck to make ends meet, pay off loans, and achieve other financial goals. 

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with having full-time work, salaried jobs can sometimes become stressful as the years (or decades) fly. There may come a period in your life where certain aspects of working, such as clients, office colleagues, bosses, and the daily commute, begin to pale. 

The good news is that you don’t have to rely on your job to pay for your needs and wants. Instead, you can take steps toward financial independence. When you’ve achieved this goal, you can live your life without financial constraints. 

Here’s why you should pursue financial independence — even if you love your job.

Why Pursue Financial Independence 

Security and Peace of Mind

Financial freedom ensures you have a safety net in case of unexpected emergencies, such as medical expenses, job loss, or natural disasters. This security can reduce stress and anxiety, allowing you to enjoy your job more fully.


Freedom to Work and Live the Way You Want

When you’re financially independent, you have a steady source of passive income flowing into your bank account. You have the option to stay employed, run a business, or become a digital nomad. If you choose to work for a boss, you’ll do it because you like to and not out of survival.


Option to Retire Early  

Don’t want to spend your days working in an office or running a business? That’s perfectly fine when you’re financially independent. You can retire before you hit the default retirement age of 60. 


Extra Spending Peso 

While money can’t buy you happiness, it can make things a lot more fun in your life. You can spend it on nice luxuries without worrying about the amount of money you have left in your savings. This means that you can buy your dream home, travel to your dream destination, or drive your dream vehicle without going ultimately broke. 


Investing in Personal Growth 

Financial freedom can give you the resources to invest in your personal and professional development. You can take courses, attend workshops, or even start your own business ventures without the fear of financial setbacks.


Investing and Wealth Building 

By focusing on financial freedom, you can efficiently grow your wealth through investments, savings, and strategic financial planning. This can lead to greater long-term financial security and wealth accumulation.


Future-Proofing 

Achieving financial freedom ensures you are better prepared for economic downturns or changes in your industry. It provides a buffer against unforeseen challenges and helps you adapt to evolving circumstances.


Opportunity to Help Others 

Becoming financially independent doesn’t just benefit you. You can use it to help other people, as well. When you have more than enough in your bank account, you can offer an open hand to people who need financial assistance. An example is treating loved ones to a fantastic meal or buying them their needs without thinking about how these actions will affect your everyday fund.


Pass on a Good Legacy to the Next Generation 

Rather than leave your spouse and children with debts and other financial liabilities, you can leverage your financial independence to leave behind generational wealth, which your loved ones can use to fulfill their life dreams — and eventually become financially free. Apart from the funds you’ll pass on, you’ll be teaching your family how to be more responsible with their money.


Now that you know why you should make financial independence your primary goal, let’s discuss how you can do it.


How You Can Be Financially Independent 

Reaching this goal isn’t a walk in the park, but it’s not entirely impossible either. Achieving financial freedom takes a solid plan, which you should stick to no matter what. Here are a few ideas to get you started in achieving this wonderful goal:


Live within Your Means 

When you’re living within your means, you’re spending equal to or less than your monthly take-home pay. Some of the things you can do to accomplish this goal are:


  • Use Credit Cards Wisely – This financial tool, when used properly, offer a range of benefits, including reduced need to carry cash and rewards points you can exchange for discounts and frequently flyer miles. Misusing the card, such as spending on things you can’t afford, can leave you drowning in debt. Using these cards wisely, therefore, is important to stay in a good financial standing.
  • Build an Emergency Fund – A rainy day fund prevents you from borrowing money to pay for unexpected expenses. When it comes to creating an emergency fund, the rule of thumb is to save at least three to six months’ worth of your living expenses.
  • Stop Keeping up with the Joneses – If you see your friendly neighbors flaunting the newest car or the latest gadgets, resist the urge to use credit or spend your hard-earned money to buy these stuff.


Invest Your Hard-Earned Money Wisely 

If you want to become financially free, you need to put your savings in an instrument that offers a reasonable amount of return. Investing your money in bonds, an investment plan, and other assets with an acceptable level of risk is a good place to start.


Protect Yourself with Insurance 

When building money for your financial freedom, you need to protect it with the appropriate insurance coverage. Doing so safeguards your future and allows you to be ready for whatever life throws at you.


InLife, the most trusted mutual insurance company in the Philippines, offers insurance products that protect against the uncertainties of life while providing investment earnings over time. We offer MAPERAAN programs designed to help Filipinos make informed financial decisions and achieve financial security and independence.


Get in touch with us today to learn more about our range of MAPERAAN solutions.

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