By Tim Jenkins
I believe financial independence is impossible. Though most people pursue it; I certainly did in my early years of business. However, I now believe something better is possible.
Financial independence is heavily promoted by the financial industry. It’s that place in life where we “arrive”, have enough and are secure. Financial planning tools often identify the dollar value of financial independence based on a person’s desired lifestyle. Here’s the problem; money can’t provide total security. Trying to find security where it cannot be found will only lead to frustration. We only need to think back to the stock market pullback of 2008. People who thought they had achieved financial independence before that point, suddenly saw their portfolio fall 30-50%. Many seriously questioned their independence and security after that.
As a Certified Financial Planner, I know the value of establishing targets and a plan to get there but we need to understand the limitations. I believe answering the question, “How much is enough?” is an important step in gaining clarity. It allows us to stop the endless pursuit of more and begin to recognize the most important things in life aren’t about money or possessions. Our culture promotes the idea “The more we have, the happier we’ll be.” If we stop and look around us, we quickly expose this lie. We are the richest generation that has ever lived but on average we are not that happy. We become our own example that money cannot buy long-term happiness. Financial independence is not possible; however, financial freedom is. Freedom comes from contentment. Contentment it is learned. It is a journey, not a destination. But it is possible.
Contentment is never linked to an amount of anything. I expect that you have met content people, some with a lot financially and some with little. I also expect that you dread being around those who are very discontent – some of whom have lots and some have little.The Apostle Paul provides a great example of how to become content. He was raised in an affluent Jewish family, went to the right schools, was a leader in his community and achieved great professional success. He also experienced times that were very difficult. He was shipwrecked abandoned, falsely accused, unjustly imprisoned and endured many hardships. When he wrote a letter to friends in Philippi, he says “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
Author, Russ Crosson, says it this way, “Contentment means to be satisfied. It’s looking around and saying that whatever our circumstances, we’re okay. They may not be fine, but we are.” I encourage you to seek financial freedom (contentment), rather than financial independence. Here are some practical steps you can take:
1.Establish your financial finish line. Answer the question, “How much is enough for us?”
2.When you feel the lie “The more we have, the happier we’ll be” starting to take root again, stop and make a list of all the things you have to be thankful for. This helps you gain perspective and usually leads to greater contentment.
3. Ask yourself, “What do I have that I wouldn’t take money for?” This will build contentment because we realize most of us already have what we really need.
Tim Jenkins is a Professional Engineer, Certified Financial Planner and Certified Kingdom Advisor with Trinity Family Wealth Advisors. Tim is also a Dealing Representative of Capstone Asset Management Inc.. He has been helping clients gain clarity and freedom regarding their financial affairs for over two decades. Tim’s expertise is in connecting with and understanding the needs of each family, co-ordinating the multi-disciplined team of specialists to create integrated solutions and communicating complex situations in an easy to understand manner.