Every Fourth of July, we gather as a family to celebrate freedom. Fireworks in the sky, burgers on the grill, and my kids running around with sticky popsicle hands. My girls, still young enough to feel the pure joy of fireworks, sparklers and watermelon slices, remind me that freedom isn’t always about bid declarations. Sometimes, it’s about peace of mind.
When I think about financial freedom from a financial perspective, it very much looks different for everyone.
For some, financial independence means retiring early and traveling the world. For others, it’s about living a modest, debt-free life where they don’t have to rely on anyone else. It’s not about hitting a magic number; it’s about creating the life YOU want on YOUR terms.
As a financial advisor, I’ve sat across the table from folks with all kinds of goals; some want to retire with $500,000 and no debt. They’ve got a simple lifestyle, a paid-off home, and no desire for yachts or exotic trips. Others feel secure only with several million in the bank, a trust for their kids, and the ability to support multiple causes they care about.
Both are valid. What matters most is clarity. Knowing what YOU want and building a plan that gets you there.
For my wife and me, raising three daughters has reshaped our view of financial independence. It’s not just about retiring one day. It’s about having the flexibility now to be present, to say yes to a spontaneous trip, or to support our community when there’s a need. That, to us, is a form of freedom.
Financial independence is also about security.
True independence comes with a sense of security. Knowing you’ve got a financial cushion if life throws you a curveball. That could mean an emergency fund, adequate insurance, or a long-term investment strategy that gives your family breathing room.
For parents, especially, financial independence isn’t just about us. It’s about knowing our kids will be okay if something happens. It’s about building confidence in our financial plan, in our decisions, and in our ability to adapt.
This July, while we’re celebrating the freedoms we’re fortunate to have, it is also a great time to ask:
What does financial freedom look like for you?
What would life feel like if money weren’t a constant stressor?
Whether your dream is retiring early, giving generously, or simply spending more time with the people you love, the first step is defining what freedom means to you. The second step? Building a plan to support it.
And if you’re not sure where to start, let’s talk, preferably over a popsicle.
July 2025