How Much Do You Think Your Freedom Costs?

think outside the inbox: E13

Author

Sesh with Friends
December 01, 2023

I talked to a friend this week, and her plans for the future sparked a moment of awe in my heart.

She said to me, with a mix of determination and excitement:

‘Ya Pam. Ya quiero dejar de perseguir la chuleta.’

Translation: she's ready to stop working just for money.

My friend 'M', who's nearly 60 but embodies the spirit of someone half her age, is a beacon of youthful energy. She's vibrant, adventurous, and her zest for life is absolutely infectious.

During our call, she shared her aspirations for the years ahead. Her list, though simple, is profound:

  • Dedicate time to her art. She's an incredibly talented seamstress.

  • Travel with her significant other.

  • Stop working solely for financial reasons.

Her sentiments echoed not only my own desires but also what I've heard from many friends and family when they say…

‘Tengo que trabajar pero no quiero’ — I want to do what sets my soul on fire.

‘Ya quiero hacer lo mio’ — I’m tired of working for someone else.

And the one that reflects a universal truth:

‘Ya estoy harto’ — I’m ready for a new chapter.

Thing is, for most of us…

The number we need to ‘stop chasing la chuleta’ is not as high as we think.

If your goal is to be a millionaire, well, you might be browsing the wrong corner of the internet. Most of us, freedom doesn't require us to be millionaires, celebrities, or famous internet people.

Remember, freedom isn't synonymous with money.

Money can help, of course, but the amount you need to have time for your passions, to play and explore, and to live life on your own terms is probably more attainable than you think.

So, how much money do you actually need to live the life you want?

Since a new year is just around the corner, how about a challenge?

Find out your Freedom Number.

Gain clarity on the amount you need to live the life you've always wanted. Then, when 2024 arrives with its new adventures, you'll be ready with your treasure map, a map to your very own freedom. 😉 

Check out the steps below to figure out your Freedom Number and to chat with your finances…using AI, of course. 😉 

Creating your Treasure Map:

  1. Assess Current Expenses

List your current monthly expenses. This includes all bills, groceries, rent/mortgage, insurance, and any other regular payments.

  1. Include Desired Lifestyle Costs

Add expenses for things you wish to do more of or have in your life. This could be travel, hobbies, dining out, or anything that represents living life on your own terms. Don't forget to factor in occasional big-ticket items or experiences you desire.

  1. Determine Monthly Income Need

Total your current expenses and desired lifestyle costs. This total represents the monthly income you need to live your desired lifestyle comfortably.

  1. Calculate Annual Requirement

Multiply this monthly total by 12 to get your annual income requirement.

  1. Chat with your Finances using AI

Upload your spreadsheet to ChatGPT or similar AI tools.

Ask the AI to review your expenses and the costs of your lifestyle to confirm if your calculations seem accurate and realistic. Also, converse with your data, resolve your doubts, and check where you are heading.

p.s. don’t input any personal or private data.

Once you have your freedom map…once you know where you’re going…then you can determine the path you need to take to get there. ;)

Til the next adventure!

your freedom-seeking friends at Sesh.