Financial Independence by my 30th Birthday - Join Me!

**Dave A** · 03-Mar-12, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Norri

It REALLY does help keep me motivated - especially after the awful 24 hours I've just had.

That's why it's so important to have a goal. When you stumble, you pick yourself up and know which way you're headed.

Without a goal, when you stumble you can so easily lose your direction.

**Blurock** · 03-Mar-12, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by wynn

I've had more downs than ups but in the end I made time to enjoy myself, no bucks to travel but no fly now pay later worries either.

You have the right philosophy Wynn.

Being debt free is being financially independent. You can always stay without something if you do not have the money, but not having money to pay for what you owe is stressful and demoralising.

The downs are there so you can gather speed to get to the pinnacle of the highs....

**Citizen X** · 03-Mar-12, 08:12 AM

This thread has got me thinking (don’t think very often, dead brain cells), there is a correlation between lack of financial independence or perceived lack of financial independence and certain suicides in South Africa. Many men and women have not only killed themselves to this end but also their children!

**China lucy** · 03-Mar-12, 09:52 AM

hard for me to understand,my poor english

**Citizen X** · 03-Mar-12, 05:41 PM

That quite alright Lucy, I wish that I could understand the rich language of your Country. Anyway, we all here to learn something from each other. I suppose the more you read these posts the more your English will improve!

**wynn** · 05-Mar-12, 08:27 AM

Simple rules
1) if you can't pay cash for it , you can't afford it. (with the exception of a house or car)
2 Never buy a car younger than two years old, keep it after you have finished paying for it, keep it until it is a skedonk.
3) Only use debit cards not credit cards. ( a credit card is there for genuine emergencies only)
4) Holiday in RSA, preferably locally, I bet there are fantastic places in RSA you have not seen yet.
5) For everyday clothes dress from Woolies, Mr P or other cheaper places, you can afford 1 smart outfit a year but be sensible buy good stuff that can be matched with existing smart stuff, don't buy into passing fashions. Never have a clothing account.
6) if you can't pay cash for it , you can't afford it.

This will help you reach the goal of financial independance quicker than you think, just forget the 'Joneses' and keep the lifestyle you can afford and need not what they borrow to have.

Make a list of what you 'need' and what you 'want' when you have met the 'need' and there is enough cash left over, get a 'want'

I still get into a hole from time to time, you would think at my age I would have learned? don't beat yourself over it, get out of it as soon as possible.

**wynn** · 05-Mar-12, 08:33 AM

As far as houses go, buy the cheapest house in the area you (within reason)aspire to, then set about improving it to the standard of the rest of the houses in the neighborhood, this could take years or even a decade or two, be patient you will get there.