🏆 Financial Freedom Checklist Before 35: 10 Steps Must Do!

 

This article will teach me what smart things to do with my money now to become free later.

Imagine waking up at 35 with no debt, multiple income streams, and the freedom to live life on your own terms. Sounds like a dream? It’s not. With the right mindset and habits, financial freedom before 35 is absolutely possible — and this blog is your personal checklist to get there.

Let’s dive in.

✅ 1. Get Crystal Clear on What “Financial Freedom” Means to You

Before chasing money, define what freedom really means to you.

*Is it quitting your 9-5?

*Is it having savings to travel?

*Is it owning a home, or simply peace of mind?

_Set a personal goal. That clarity will keep you going even when it gets tough.

✅ 2. Track Every Coin (Yes, Every One)

You can’t fix what you don’t track.

 Use simple tools like:

_A notebook

_Mobile apps like Monefy, Wallet, or Spendee

_Start tracking your income and expenses monthly. You'll be shocked by how much is lost on impulse spending.

✅ 3. Create a Budget and Actually Stick to It

A budget isn’t punishment — it’s permission to spend wisely:

*Use the 50/30/20 rule:

50% for needs

*30% for wants

*20% for savings/investments

_Customize it if you need to, but always make sure savings come first.

✅ 4. Build an Emergency Fund (Your Freedom Buffer)

Life happens. A job loss, medical emergency, or broken laptop shouldn’t break your spirit.

*Aim for at least 3–6 months of living expenses saved in a separate account.

This is your safety net and your first step toward financial confidence.

✅ 5. Eliminate High-Interest Debts Fast

Credit card debts or mobile loan apps? They’ll drain your future.

 Use methods like:

*Debt Snowball (start with smallest)

*Debt Avalanche (start with highest interest)

*Avoid new debt until you’re in control of the ✅

 6. Start Investing — The Earlier, The Better

You don’t need to be rich to start investing — just consistent.

Try:

*Real estate

*Government bonds

*Crypto (only a small portion)

*Stocks or mutual funds

*Sacco shares (especially in East Africa)

*Compound interest is your best friend in your 20s and early 30s.

 ✅ 7. Build At Least 2 Streams of Income

Your 9–5 should be Plan A, not your only plan.

Explore:

*Freelancing or remote work

*Side hustles (sell digital products, clothing, food, etc.)

*Content creation (YouTube, TikTok, blogs)

*Passive income (eBooks, courses, affiliate marketing)

🚫Never rely on one income — especially if you want freedom.

✅ 8. Learn About Taxes, Credit, and Financial Laws

Adulting means understanding the system.

Know:

*Your country’s tax rules

*How credit scores work

*What documents you need to buy land or a car

You don’t need a degree — just do some reading and stay informed.

✅ 9. Upgrade Your Money Mindset

Money habits reflect your self-worth.

Read books like “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” or “The Psychology of Money”

*Follow financial educators on YouTube or Instagram

*Join online money challenges or accountability groups

You can’t grow if your mind is stuck in survival mode.

✅ 10. Protect Your Wealth

As you grow, protect what you build.

Get insured (health, property, life)

*Write a basic will

*Store important documents safely (both digital & paper copies)

Freedom is not just about making money — it’s about keeping it.

✅ Bonus: Give Back, Even While You Grow

True wealth is not about hoarding — it’s about impact.

 Give back to family, community, or causes you care about.

 Even 5% of your income can change someone’s life — and that energy comes back to you.

👣 Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be born into money to achieve financial freedom by 35. All you need is a plan, discipline, and the willingness to start — even if it’s messy.

**Remember, it’s not about being perfect.

 It’s about being consistent.