Spend less than you earn
If you regularly spend more than you make, wealth won’t accumulate. The gap between income and expenses is what lets you save and invest.

Avoid / get rid of debt
Debt—especially high-interest debt—is a big drain. Eliminating it gives you more freedom, less financial stress.

Invest in low-cost index funds
Simplicity wins. Rather than trying to pick individual stocks or time the market, use broad, low-fee index funds (e.g. total stock market funds) to get market returns.

Let compounding do its work
Investing early and staying invested over long periods allows compounding to build wealth. Don’t try to chase quick wins.

Build enough so you have options (“F‑You Money”)
One goal is to build a financial buffer large enough that you don’t have to work purely for money — you have choices.

Safe withdrawal & preserving wealth
Once you’ve built up enough savings/investments, you need strategies to live off them safely — so you balance risk, volatility, bonds vs stocks, withdrawal rates. some, to dream.

What does “financial independence” mean?

It’s not about being rich in the sense of owning luxury things. It’s about having enough that you’re free from financial worry, you have choice over your time, and you don’t feel forced into certain work just for money.

It often involves living below what many might see as comfortable, especially while accumulating wealth—but it’s by design, so you can get to a point where you can ease up.

Practice.

Cut unnecessary expenses
Reduce spending so there’s a surplus.

Track your income & expenses,
know how much you make and spend.

Pay off high interest debt
Clear that first, because interest is like negative return

Build savings
Put aside the surplus regularly.

Invest in broad, low-fee index funds
Let the market work for you.

Stay the course
Don’t panic when markets drop. Keep investing.

Aim for a withdrawal rate you can live off
Plan how much you can safely live off when you stop working.