What’s the Difference Between Financial Freedom and Financial Independence? (2024)

Financial freedom and financial independence are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. Financial freedom refers to the ability to live the lifestyle you want without worrying about money. This includes having enough money to cover your basic needs, as well as being able to afford luxuries like travel, dining out, and other discretionary expenses. Achieving financial freedom typically involves having enough passive income, such as from investments or rental properties, to cover your expenses without relying on a traditional job.

On the other hand, financial independence is the ability to live off your savings and investments without needing to work for a paycheck. This means you have accumulated enough wealth to sustain your lifestyle indefinitely, without the need to work for money. Financial independence is often seen as a long-term goal, and achieving it requires careful planning, saving, and investing over a period of many years. While financial freedom and financial independence are related concepts, understanding the differences between the two can help you set clearer financial goals and achieve greater financial security.

Let’s start off by talking about what financial freedom and financial independence are. These are two different and important concepts that you need to understand before you can begin to compare and contrast the two of them.

Financial Freedom

Financial freedom is a state of being where an individual has enough income and assets to cover their living expenses and achieve their desired lifestyle without being dependent on a regular paycheck or being burdened by debt. It means having control over one's financial situation and being able to make choices that align with one's values and goals, rather than being limited by financial constraints. Achieving financial freedom can involve a combination of factors such as reducing expenses, increasing income, saving and investing wisely, and eliminating debt. Ultimately, financial freedom means having the financial resources to live a fulfilling and meaningful life without worrying about money.

Financial Independence

Financial independence is the state of having sufficient wealth and resources to support your desired lifestyle without having to rely on a regular income from a job or business. It means having enough income from passive sources, such as investments, rental income, or business income, to cover your living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, and other essential needs.

Achieving financial independence requires careful planning, saving, and investing over a period of time. It often involves living below your means, reducing debt, and building a diversified investment portfolio that generates sufficient passive income to support your lifestyle.

Financial independence can provide individuals with greater freedom, flexibility, and control over their lives, allowing them to pursue their passions, travel, or spend more time with their family and friends, without being tied to a 9-to-5 job or business.

Financial Freedom Vs. Financial Independence

Financial Freedom

• You have enough money saved to support your current lifestyle without having to work.
• You have the freedom to make choices about your work and lifestyle without worrying about finances.
• You have achieved your personal financial goals and can enjoy your wealth without worrying about running out of money.
• You may continue to work, but it's by choice rather than necessity.

Financial Independence

• You have enough passive income to cover your expenses, which means you no longer have to rely on a traditional job to maintain your lifestyle.
• You have achieved financial security and can retire early if you choose to.
• You have the freedom to pursue your passions and interests without worrying about finances.
• You have the ability to create a legacy by leaving a financial inheritance to your loved ones or supporting causes that you care about.

While financial freedom and financial independence share some similarities, the key difference between them is the source of income. With financial freedom, you have enough money saved to support your current lifestyle without having to work, whereas with financial independence, you have enough passive income to cover your expenses without relying on a traditional job. Ultimately, both financial freedom and financial independence provide you with the freedom and flexibility to pursue your passions and enjoy your wealth without worrying about finances.

Reaching financial independence is a long term goal that nearly everyone aspires to reach at one point in their life. This timeframe can look different for each individual based on a wide variety of things like their desired age, their income, their investing habits, their spending habits, and much more. Let’s talk about what it takes to reach financial independence.

• Determine your FI number:The first step towards financial independence is to determine how much money you need to save and invest to achieve it. This requires estimating your annual expenses in retirement, subtracting any passive income sources you currently have, and then multiplying the result by 25-30, which is a rough estimate of how much you need to save to have a 4% withdrawal rate in retirement. For example, if your annual expenses in retirement are $40,000, and you expect to receive $10,000 in passive income, you'll need to save and invest $750,000 to $900,000 to achieve financial independence.
• Create a budget:Once you know your FI number, you need to create a budget that will allow you to save and invest enough money to reach it. Start by tracking your income and expenses for a few months to get a clear picture of your spending habits. Then, create a budget that allocates your income towards your expenses, savings, and investments. Be sure to prioritize saving and investing towards your FI goal.
• Reduce expenses:One of the most effective ways to achieve financial independence is to reduce your expenses. This could involve cutting back on unnecessary expenses like eating out, shopping for clothes, or taking expensive vacations. Look for ways to reduce your monthly bills, such as negotiating with service providers or switching to cheaper alternatives. Every dollar you save can be put towards your savings and investments.
• Increase income:Another way to speed up your journey towards financial independence is to increase your income. This could involve working overtime, taking on a side job, or starting a business. Look for opportunities to earn more money without sacrificing your health or happiness.
• Pay off debt: Debt can be a major obstacle on the road to financial independence. High-interest debt like credit card debt or personal loans can eat away at your savings and investments. Create a plan to pay off your debt as quickly as possible, starting with the highest interest rate first. Once you're debt-free, you can redirect the money you were putting towards debt payments towards your savings and investments.
• Invest in assets: Investing in assets that generate passive income is crucial to achieving financial independence. Stocks, bonds, real estate, and small businesses are all examples of assets that can generate passive income. Consider working with a financial advisor or using a robo-advisor to help you invest your money wisely.
• Maximize tax-advantaged retirement accounts: Contributing the maximum amount to your 401(k), IRA, or other retirement accounts is a smart way to increase your retirement savings and reduce your taxes. Take advantage of any employer matching contributions and consider contributing to a Roth IRA if you expect your tax rate to be higher in retirement.
• Track your progress: Finally, it's important to track your progress towards your FI number regularly. Review your budget and investment strategy regularly to ensure you're on track to reach your goal. Adjust your plan as needed to account for unexpected expenses or changes in your income or expenses.

Reaching financial independence requires discipline, patience, and smart financial planning. By following these steps, you can create a solid plan to achieve financial independence and enjoy the freedom and flexibility to pursue your passions and dreams.

Financial freedom and financial independence are two financial goals that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct differences. Financial freedom provides you with the ability to live comfortably without relying on a traditional job, while financial independence offers complete freedom to pursue your passions and interests without worrying about finances.

While both financial freedom and financial independence require careful planning, smart investing, and financial discipline, achieving either goal can be incredibly rewarding. With the right strategies, you can take control of your finances and create a life of freedom and abundance.

Ultimately, the choice between financial freedom and financial independence depends on your personal financial goals and aspirations. Whether you're striving for financial freedom or financial independence, it's important to be clear about your goals, develop a solid financial plan, and stay committed to your long-term vision. With perseverance and hard work, you can achieve financial success and live the life of your dreams.