How many of you are already financially free?

[Adhirai M.]

Hello BP community! I am just starting out my REI journey. I am pleasantly surprised to see such a high volume of active users in BP forums.

I want to see how many of you here already achieved (your definition of) financial independence. How long it took for you to get there? Did you only use REI as your vehicle?

I know there are lots of podcasts with success stories, but I am curious to hear from daily active users of BP forums!

[Jason Shackleton]

Hey @Adhirai M. great question. It took me about 6 years to reach my financially free number. Now I am not driving around in a ferrari...although I guess I could for a bit if I did a big refi. I am more of a minimalist, I don't want things I simply want freedom. The cash flow I receive and cash from a previous refi is enough for me to not have to work...but just enough lol. I am working on getting to the next level currently. It was all done with real estste investing but now I am also doing other cash generating activities for fun.

In regards to "financial freedom" I don't think we are ever really free. Ever notice how many people with the most money tend to constantly focus on money. It still controls them but just in a different way. I view it as more of a means to an end. Solving a math problem. The true freedom comes in my opinion once your cash flow exceeds your needs and you are still able to grow. Then the second step is when you are able to step off the hydonic treadmill. This second step is the one that most miss. 

Best of Luck