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Welcome to Julie Spark’s blog, your go-to resource for financial wisdom and lifestyle transformation. Here, we delve into ways to achieve financial freedom by making smart investments and embracing a minimalist lifestyle. Today, I want to share my personal journey and some actionable insights on how you too can escape the cycle of wage slavery and create a sustainable future.
The Overachiever Trap
For a significant part of my life, I was what people might call an overachiever. I pushed myself to new heights constantly, believing that the more I made, the more I could spend, which in turn meant I needed to make even more. This vicious cycle left me with plenty of material possessions but very little happiness or peace of mind. It felt like I was running on a never-ending treadmill, working just to pay bills and satisfy fleeting wants.
The Turning Point
At some point, I had an epiphany. I didn’t want to be one of those people still working at 69 because I hadn’t saved enough or made wise investments. My grandparents lived through the war and knew the value of having nothing. Their experiences taught me that it’s not about how much you make, but how much you keep, save, and invest. They lived modestly and were happy, which made me reevaluate my own life choices.
Embracing Minimalism
I began to cut down my expenses drastically, aiming to live on as little as possible. I scrutinized my spending habits and made a conscious effort to only buy what I truly needed. You don’t need to buy toilet paper with flowers on it or the latest tech gadgets to be happy. It’s about finding joy in simpler things and making every penny count.
Calculating Your Freedom
With my newfound minimalist approach, I calculated how much I needed to save to stop working entirely. For instance, if I spend between $10,000 to $15,000 a year, I can determine how many years’ worth of savings I need to accumulate. My grandparents lived till 98, so I used that as a benchmark. Knowing this gives me a clear target and motivates me to save and invest wisely.
Smart Property Investments
One of the most significant steps I took toward financial freedom was investing in property. My ex, Sandro, built a house for me, which I eventually bought from him. When I’m not living in it, I rent it out, creating a steady income stream. This gave me the idea to replicate the same model in different countries I love. Currently, I am working on my third home before turning 40.
Investing in property not only provides a source of income but also ensures you have tangible assets. If I face any major financial issues, I can always sell a property and be financially secure for years. For instance, if I sell a house for $150,000 and my annual spending is $10,000 to $15,000, I’m good for a decade.
The Japan Project
One of my recent ventures is investing in a property in Japan, particularly in the ski domains in the north. A friend mentioned that you could rent houses there for $500 to $1,000 a night, depending on the season. Realizing the potential for a high return on investment, I started searching for properties in Japan and found one within my budget. This property not only serves as an investment but also as a special gift for my brother who has always dreamed of visiting Japan.
The Ultimate Goal: Financial Freedom
The ultimate goal is to break free from wage slavery. Financial freedom means you no longer work just to pay bills; you work because you choose to. You spend less time worrying about money and more on what truly makes you happy. For me, that means spending time with loved ones, traveling, and experiencing new cultures.
Join Our Tribe
If you find this approach inspiring and want to transform your financial future, I invite you to join our tribe. I offer master classes online where you can learn how to make smart investments, live simply, and build a sustainable financial future. Together, we can achieve financial freedom and live a more fulfilled life.
Thank you for reading. Remember, it’s not about how much you make; it’s about how wisely you spend, save, and invest. Let’s make smarter financial decisions and create a life that brings us true happiness.
For more tips, inspiration, and personalized advice, stay tuned to Julie Spark’s blog and become a part of our growing community.
Julie Spark | Path to Financial Freedom
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