I graduated college at 21 with a net worth slightly over $100,000. My goal was never to become excessively wealthy and buy Ferraris on a whim. Instead, I wanted to achieve financial independence and be my own boss as soon as possible. Growing up, I prioritized my future freedom over fleeting pleasures like Saturday morning cartoons and new toys.

I grew up in the heartland of the United States, on a farm 35 miles from the center. From an early age, I found it odd how people in America claimed to value freedom while living in debt. I quickly realized that true freedom could be bought, and that no one could control someone who is financially independent.

I understood the importance of financial independence before I was even 10 years old. Each time my dad assigned me a new chore on the farm, I felt a brief but intense frustration. Had I come up with the task myself, I would have gladly done it, even if it meant shoveling horse manure.

Throughout my childhood, I faced criticism for wanting to buy my freedom. Adults thought I worked too much unless they needed my help, and kids frequently suggested I should spend my money frivolously. My siblings in particular labeled me as cheap for being thoughtful about my spending. However, I believe many of us who pursue financial independence face similar challenges early on.

At age 10, I bought my first stock, beating Warren Buffett who made his first investment at 11. However, the early stages of my investing journey were rocky. I lost most of my money, especially after the 9/11 attacks, when I saw my $2,000 investment drop to $1,000. The situation worsened when dishonest investors involved in insider trading further harmed my portfolio. Despite these losses, I never lost faith in investing and continue to invest most of my income in equities. Investing requires a level of bravery.

I found a mentor when I was 14. He was an ex-Air Force guy who retired early and started three businesses. I was impressed by his lifestyle, so I created a simple yet thoughtful resume and reached out to him. He taught me the value of frugality and was a living example of what I wanted to achieve. Today, he’s even started his own brewing company.

During my childhood, I worked a lot—sometimes juggling five jobs in a single day. I found ways to balance multiple roles to circumvent restrictions on working hours. My jobs had to be fun so I could socialize, well-paying, and beneficial for my resume. These criteria helped me accumulate cash efficiently.

Even as a kid, I was no fool about money. I understood the power of compound interest. Instead of spending the $1 my parents gave us for candy at sporting events, I saved it. The notion of delayed gratification—sacrificing candy now for potentially luxurious experiences later—set a foundation for my financial habits. While I may never develop a taste for caviar, the principle remains important.

Today, at 24, I blog with the goal of helping others accumulate wealth early in life. I believe many of life’s financial milestones can be achieved in the first quarter of one’s life. Although I’m not quite financially independent yet, I’m well on my way to reaching that goal. I’m mostly independent, but I want to travel extensively, so I don’t feel completely free just yet.

Thanks for reading my story. If you’re young, I hope you found some valuable tips. If you’re older, perhaps you can share this with younger friends or family members to help them realize their potential. It’s never too early to pursue financial independence.

Will Lipovsky is a personal finance freelance writer and internet marketer. His most embarrassing moment was telling a Microsoft executive, “I’ll just Google it.” You can contact Will at FirstQuarterFinance.com.