The following interview is with the
owner of My Money Design, a personal finance
blog that is all about creating your
own financial freedom. 
Our goal is to figure out ways
to make your money work for you
so that you can spend
your time the way you want to. 

1. What is your idea of financial freedom?

My idea of financial freedom is being able to stop working if I want to and not having to worry about money.  This is something that I dream about because it means that I would no longer have to trade my time for money.  I would be free to do whatever I want with my time, and I’ve got lots of ideas! 

Achieving financial freedom is the whole basis of my blog.  The term “money design” applies to my plans and strategies for bringing in money that is beyond my employment paycheck.  If you’d like to see how I plan to do this, you can feel free to check out my early retirement plan.

2.   When we talk about finances, budgeting is always there, any money saving tips?

Yes: Force yourself to live on less.  I know that sounds simple and even cliché.  But it really takes more will and discipline than most people think.  For years I’ve psyched myself into living on way less money than I make by:

·         Allocating my raise and profit sharing directly towards my retirement funds

·         Maxing out my 401k

·         Maxing out my Roth IRA

·         Contributing portions of my money towards my other financial goals

3.   What are your thoughts about passive income?

I LOVE the concept of passive income.  I’ve even got a page on my blog dedicated to all the passive income ideas I’ve ever tried or plan to try some day.  Having made a modest return from my blog, investments, and other tactics, I not only believe that passive income is possible but even necessary if you want to get ahead in life.  Unfortunately your employment income can only take you so far.  You have to be creative and willing to venture out of your comfort zone.

4.   Is there an easy or fast way to prosperity?

Not without an incredible amount of risk.  Doing risky things may be for some people, but it’s not something I would recommend.  I once read a quote that said “successful entrepreneurs aren’t great risk takers, they’re great risk minimizes”. 

My opinion on getting rich without a lot of risk is to start investing early, keep it simple, and stick to your plan.   Without knowing anything you can leverage the power of compound interest and outperform over half the people you know.  It may not be quick, but it is one of the easiest things you can ever do for yourself.

5.   Where should we start our journey to freedom?

At the place we all start – the beginning.  No matter how old you are or where you are in life, your first step is to decide what you want and make a plan.  Collect all your options, make some decisions about how you can get there, and then ACT on them.  Don’t just talk about it – actually do something to get there.  If you don’t like your options or don’t feel like you’re getting there fast enough, then change the game or refine the plan.  Get a different job.  Earn more money.  Add some passive income streams.  You are the only person who looks out for your money.  So don’t wait for something to happen.  Make it!