(Image source: freepik.com, photo credit: asierromero)
Every year on 15 August, India commemorates the day of our nation's independence from British rule in 1947.
This 73rd Independence Day is special as the age-old dispute over Jammu & Kashmir has been finally settled to include it in our country. With the decision to revoke Article 370, even the valley of Kashmir has been liberated from the throngs of incessant disputes and extensive shootouts.
But, individually are we truly independent?
For instance, are we financially independent?
I have met several people and realised that we are not financially independent as we haven't attained financial freedom.
Financial independence comes from financial freedom, which represents the ability to earn a livelihood that enables you to live a comfortable lifestyle. However, the notion of financial freedom is subjective and not defined only by earning a substantial income.
More importantly, financial freedom paves the way for financial independence.
[Read: 8 Key Lessons On Financial Freedom From 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad']
And financial independence is the capability to be self-reliant, completely debt-free, and enables you with the power to fulfil the envisioned financial goals ---buying a house, a car, travelling abroad for leisure, providing for your child's education needs and future wedding expenses, handle exigencies, and sorted about your own retirement so that you do not have to depend on anyone.
Now a point to note is, while financial freedom is psychological and unquantifiable, financial independence is quantifiable and, therefore, can be planned.
In today's times, it is extremely important for every individual (man and woman -- teenagers, married, single, separated, widowed, divorced) to be financially independent irrespective of their economic life cycle.
Everyone aspires for financial independence, but seldom does one manage to attain it.
So how can you attain financial independence?
One can achieve financial independence with prudent financial planning and acting on it.
Let me reiterate, how to go about with it. . .
Remember, financial independence empowers you.
"Financial security and independence are like a three-legged stool resting on saving, insurance, and investments." -Brian Tracy (the Canadian-American sales & marketing guru, motivational speaker, and author).
Financial independence gives us the freedom to utilise our hard-earned money the way we desire. It is important to lead a respectable life and to be financially prepared for any unforeseeable circumstances as well.
Note these points if you want to lead a financially independent life:
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Start saving and investing early
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Save to invest for a long term, carefully invest as per your financial goals, risk appetite and investment horizon
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While investing, do consider inflation, as it erodes the purchasing power of your hard-earned money
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Do your own research and do not follow neighbour/family/ friend's investment advice
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Believe in value investing
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Invest prudently in businesses that you understand and create a diversified and robust portfolio in a systematic manner
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Choose a promising investment avenue for wealth creation like mutual funds. Mutual Funds diversification allows you to invest across various assets at a nominal cost and is well managed by professionals
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Create an optimum investment strategic portfolio that will help you attain your goals faster and save for retirement
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Do not wait for the 'right' opportunity to invest but invest systematically (preferably via SIPs in mutual funds)
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Do not get swayed by your emotions
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Don't forget to indemnify risk to life, health, and property
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Seek advice and guidance from a personal finance adviser
Financial independence is within your reach if you save and invest diligently with small amounts via SIP and avoid tiptoeing. Wealth building is a gradual process, so don't be taken in by the fancy of structured products.
If you can’t devote time for comprehensive research and lack the necessary skills, seek guidance, approach a financial planner. Reach out to a certified financial guardian who is a mark of trust and respect, who exemplifies high fiduciary standards at all times.
A professional who handles your hard-earned money with an unbiased and an independent approach, where the recommendations are backed by rationale and scientific study, as much as they would manage his/her own personal finances.
Hence, with able guidance, you can take the right steps leading towards attaining your financial independence.
PS: Consider PersonalFN's flagship premium mutual fund research service-FundSelect if you want insightful guidance and recommendations on some worthy funds with high growth potential in the years to come.
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This article first appeared on Certified Financial Guardian.
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