This is Tegan, the founder of The Blissful Budget, which is all about helping you save more money, make more money, and reach financial freedom. Financial independence is becoming a popular term for living without having to work for your money, which might sound impossible for most people. But I’m here to tell you it’s entirely achievable.

The journey to financial independence involves some education and patience. Anyone determined enough can reach their financial goals. Remember, financial independence means different things to different people. For some, it’s about living off dividends without working. For others, it means having enough money to retire early and travel. Whatever it means to you, stay focused on your goals and don’t give up!

Here are six important lessons I learned on my journey to financial independence:

1. Personalize Your Financial Plan
Financial plans are called personal for a reason—they’re unique to each individual. You can’t follow someone else’s path exactly and expect the same results. I initially tried to mimic successful people’s financial habits by reading books, watching videos, and taking courses. I was obsessed with finding the “secret sauce” to wealth. Eventually, I realized there’s no one-size-fits-all route to success. You need to find what works for you.

2. Don’t Compete with Others
One key tip for achieving financial independence is to resist the urge to impress others with material possessions. Spending money to keep up with others distracts from what truly matters. I learned this the hard way. To reach financial independence, you need to save more than you spend and focus on your own goals, rather than trying to impress others.

3. Boost Your Income
While budgeting and cutting costs are important, you can only save so much. I only saw significant growth in my wealth after starting my own business and taking on side hustles. Extra income accelerates your savings and investments, helping you build wealth faster.

4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Amazing things can happen when you step outside your comfort zone. While a regular 9-5 job is comfortable, it might not get you to financial independence. Sometimes, you need to take risks to find new opportunities and overcome challenges, which can ultimately lead to greater rewards.

5. Take Small Steps
Achieving financial independence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by trying to learn everything at once. Instead, set small, achievable goals and gradually build up. Learn the basics before tackling more complex financial concepts.

6. Find Support
Pursuing financial independence can be lonely, especially if it means working long hours and sacrificing social time. I lost some friendships when my financial priorities shifted. However, I found a supportive community of people with similar goals. Connecting with others on the same path can provide motivation and encouragement.

Final Thoughts
Regardless of whether your goal is to spend more time with your family or travel the world, financial independence is a worthy aim. The journey involves learning and perseverance, but the rewards are definitely worth it. Stay focused on your goals, learn from the challenges, and surround yourself with supportive people. The end result will make all your efforts worthwhile.