FIND YOUR COMMUNITY
This post is part of a 30-day series called the 30 Steps Program to Financial Independence.
For the past few days, we’ve explored different ways to become more self-sufficient to achieve financial independence. The idea is that the more you can do for yourself, the less you need to pay others, reducing your reliance on external services. Some people even go as far as living off the grid, producing their own energy and food.
However, I believe that community and interaction with others hold significant value and can aid you on your journey to financial independence. How so?
Firstly, there’s the power of bartering. Suppose I bake an excellent loaf of bread or have an abundant tomato harvest. There’s likely someone nearby who makes delicious cheese or would be happy to trade cucumbers for tomatoes.
By knowing these people and interacting with them occasionally, I learn who has surplus produce or who needs help with tasks like an oil change. I might change their oil for free, and in return, they might help me out next time I need my gutters cleaned or extra hands to pick strawberries.
Ideally, I envision a world where money isn’t exchanged for these tasks. One day I help you, and the next day you help me. I don’t need to keep track of every favor I’ve done for my neighbors or community over the years; it doesn’t have to be perfectly reciprocal. I could volunteer at the art center and receive help from someone who’s never been there.
In the end, community is incredibly valuable to me. It’s a place where I’m happy to give my time and resources because I know that when I need help, the support will be there.