The concept of financial freedom is essentially when you’ve got control over what you do in your life. You don’t have to trade time for money, and you’re free to do things like travel, switch careers, learn a new skill, or even retire.
Redefining Financial Freedom
To achieve financial freedom, most people used to take the traditional 9-to-5 route – but that’s changing.
This redefinition has led to the rise of the multi-income individual – someone who diversifies their income sources to create a more secure and fulfilling financial future.
Utility Warehouse (UW) has commissioned a report by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) that shows how multi-income individuals (MIIs) are changing the landscape for financial freedom.
Breaking Free from Limitations
The 9-to-5 job of course has advantages – like secure, consistent income and a path to progression – but it also has limitations:
- Limited earning potential.
- Can’t set your own hours.
- Risk of redundancy which isn’t in your control.
MIIs often recognise the need to break free from these limitations and take control of their financial destiny. By exploring secondary incomes, they get the chance to design their own work schedules, seize opportunities, and adapt to changing circumstances with greater agility.
One way to see if a secondary income would work for you, is to make extra money as a UW Partner. They earn money by introducing new customers to Utility Warehouse while helping them save money on their bills. You can spend as much or as little time as you’ve got, so it’s completely flexible.
The Power of Diversification
People use diversification as a strategy to manage risk. If you’re not relying on one particular source of income, or investing in a single company – you reduce the risk of losing lots of money or income at once.
MIIs embrace the philosophy of not putting all their eggs in one basket. They build up a variety of income streams that complement each other, reducing the risk of only having one source. This could involve a combination of freelancing, part-time work, consulting, investments, and even passion projects turned profitable.
When you divide your investments across funds (a fund is a collection of companies, large and small, at home and abroad) you avoid the risk of having all of your eggs in one basket.
Nothing is guaranteed when investing or building up a passive income, but with time and experience comes more consistency and less risk of something going wrong. This is the power of diversification.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the pandemic, employers have adapted towards more flexible and innovative ways to work. That said, they might need to use higher wages as an extra tool to make standard employment more attractive compared to having multiple self-employed income streams.
The gig economy makes work more adaptable too, giving flexibility to both sides – employers and workers. There’s less security but far more flexibility, so if you’re an MII, you can do this kind of work if other incomes drop, or you can do it less if you’re busy elsewhere.
The Journey to Financial Freedom
1. Set Life Goals
Define specific financial goals – think about what kind of lifestyle you want, along with savings targets and deadlines.
2. Monthly Budgeting
Create and stick to a monthly household budget to make sure you’re on top of your bills and you’re regularly saving.
3. Pay off Credit Cards
If you’ve got high-interest credit card debt – shift them to 0% cards and then make sure you’re chipping away at what you owe.
4. Automate Savings
Once a month, automate some money to get towards your savings and pension.
5. Start Investing Early
Begin investing in a diverse portfolio, focusing on consistency and long-term growth.
6. Monitor Your Credit Score
Regularly check your credit report for inaccuracies.
Also read: Understanding Credit Score Ranges: What You Need to Know.
7. Stay Informed
Stay updated on financial news, tax law changes, and stock market developments.
8. Maintain Property
Properly maintain your home to extend their lifespan and reduce replacement costs.
9. Live Below Your Means
Be a little more frugal – distinguish between your needs and wants.
10. Seek Financial Advice
Consider hiring a financial advisor so you’re always making the most of your money.
Embracing a Multi-Income Mindset
By embracing a multi-income mindset, you can unlock lots of opportunities beyond traditional employment. Exploring secondary incomes lets you take control of your financial destiny, diversifying your earning potential, and giving you a life that aligns with your desires and aspirations.
Utility Warehouse (UW) Partners are already doing this – hear from three Multi-income individuals (MIIs) who talk about the importance of their multiple income streams, as well as how they can work UW around their other income streams and responsibilities.
