THE GOAL IS FREEDOM, NOT MONEY.
I came across a quote that said: “The goal is not money, but the freedom that comes with having money.” Ever since, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. It’s not just about avoiding debt; it’s about building investments that work for you, that generate income even when you’re not working. That, to me, is the kind of freedom we all want: being able to afford your lifestyle while your money quietly grows in the background.
As a young person, I consider myself lucky. My parents took the time to teach me about investments. They helped me make my first one five years ago, and to this day, it remains the most stable. Its payouts come annually. Since then, I’ve added two more investments of my own. They’re not fully stable yet, but they’re something. They give me confidence that in a few years, I won’t have to worry about whether my salary is enough, because I’ll already have multiple sources of income, even while sitting down.
Financial literacy at a young age is one of the best ways to build discipline. The habits you form early shape the way you handle money for life. When financial awareness becomes second nature, it never feels like a burden; it feels like freedom.
Right now, my biggest worry isn’t about luxury or not having a savings account or an emergency fund. My concern is not having enough to invest, because the truth is simple: the more you invest, the greater the returns. There are months I’ve managed to stay afloat thanks to one of my investments. I could have asked my parents for help, but choosing not to gave me a sense of pride and satisfaction.
Many people say financial literacy should be taught in schools, and I agree, but I also believe it’s something that should be discussed openly at home. Unfortunately, society often treats money as a taboo topic, something you shouldn’t mention out loud. Yet, understanding money is understanding freedom.
If you weren’t as lucky as I was to learn early, take it upon yourself to do so. Watch videos, take a short online class, or simply read. Remember, sometimes it’s not your parents or siblings who buy you a safety net in life. It’s you.
