#264 - WHY FINANCIAL FREEDOM ISN’T REALLY ABOUT THE MONEY

Hello and welcome to another inspiring episode of the Your Dream Life Podcast 💛

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that might just change your perspective on your path to your dream life: why financial freedom isn’t really about the money.

It's all about shifting our understanding of financial freedom from just accumulating wealth - to embracing the opportunities and choices that financial security can offer.

Many people think financial freedom is simply having a lot of money, but it’s so much more than that.

It’s about the freedom to live life on your own terms, to pursue your passions, and to make decisions without the constant stress of financial worries.

Whether you dream of starting your own business, traveling the world, or spending more time with loved ones, financial freedom is the foundation that makes it all possible.

Four key takeaways you can expect from this episode:

1. Redefining Financial Freedom: Learn why true financial freedom is about having the freedom to make choices that align with your deepest values and desires.
2. Practical Tips: Discover actionable steps you can take to start building financial freedom today, from setting clear financial goals to creating multiple income streams.
3. Mindset Matters: Understand the importance of cultivating an abundance mindset and how it can transform your financial future.
4. Inspiring Stories: Hear about the successes from the Dream Life Coaching Program and how participants have transformed their lives by focusing on financial freedom.

Join us as we explore how to create a life where financial freedom supports your dreams, rather than just being about the money.

As always, I’d LOVE to hear what resonates with you from this episode and what you plan to implement after listening in. So please share and let’s keep the conversation going in the Dream Life Podcast Facebook Group here.    

Have a wonderful weekend… and remember, it all starts with a dream 💛

Enjoy! 

Dream Life Founder  

SHOW NOTES:

• Join my virtual book club GROW for July where we'll meet weekly on Zoom to discuss and squeeze the learnings from this brilliant book, 'A Happy Pocket Full of Money' by David Cameron Gikandi. Learn more here…
• Join my Platinum Coaching Program - where in July the focus is on going deep into Financial Freedom. Learn more here.
• Join our FREE MID YEAR RESET online workshop. More information and register here...
• If you're interested in joining us at the amazing SHE EVOLVES RETREAT in beautiful Byron Bay, you can find more information here... If you decide it's for you, use my speaking discount code to get a $250 discount: KKARLSSON 
• Learn more & register here for our RECONNECT TO YOU Retreat.
  🌿 Experience the joy of a wonderful retreat, while learning how to run your own personal solo retreats 🌿 
• Learn more & register here for our FIJI REINVENT YOU RETREAT. Embark on a transformative journey guided by Kristina Karlsson, Sarah Pirie-Nally, Nicole Hatherly, and Shaynna Blaze.
• Join my Habit Club and get support and accountability as you focus on changing the building blocks of your life - your daily habits. Learn more here…
• Plan Your Year journal
• Daily Progress Journal
• Daily Wins Journal

RESOURCES:

• Sign up to our email list here to hear about upcoming workshops.
• Join our Habit Club. It's easy to start a new habit, but harder to make it stick!  Get the inspiration and support network you need to successfully build new habits into your life.
• Take your first step to getting clarity on what you want from life with this free bonus dreaming exercise here 101 Dreams Audio Guide 
• Buy Kristina's book, Your Dream Life Starts Here

TRANSCRIPT:

Hello there, and welcome back to another episode of Your Dream Life Podcast.

I'm Kristina Karlsson, and today we are going to dive into a topic that I'm really passionate about: why financial freedom isn't really about the money. I know it might sound a bit strange, but bear with me.

This could be a game changer for how you view your path to your dream life.

Financial freedom is often misunderstood because many people think it's all about having a lot of money. But for me, and for many of us, it's about the freedom to live life on your own terms. It's about the choices and opportunities that financial security can provide.

When you're financially free, you can pursue your dreams and passions, spend time with loved ones, and make decisions without the constant worry of financial stress. I've experienced both extremes. I started out with no money, then made a lot, lost everything, and started again. Money certainly makes life easier, but not necessarily happier or better—just easier, so you can choose what to do with your life.

Think of financial freedom as a foundation that supports your dreams. It gives you the stability to take risks, say yes to exciting opportunities, and design a life that aligns with your deepest values and desires.

Let's talk about the importance of financial freedom for your dream life.

Financial freedom allows you to focus on what truly matters. Without the burden of financial worries, you can dedicate your energy to creating, exploring, and enjoying life. It gives you the mental and emotional space to dream big and act on those dreams. For instance, if you've always dreamt of starting your own business, financial freedom gives you the security to take that leap, or it could be the vehicle to create financial freedom. 

It's not about having millions in the bank. It's about having enough to feel secure and confident in your decisions and live a life on your terms. Everyone should have financial freedom on their list of dreams, and it's part of the dream life journey to make it happen. You don't need to know how to do it or be close to it—it's part of the journey. It's one of my highest dreams, and I'm having lots of fun figuring out how to make it happen.

Every year, we deep dive into financial freedom and the mindset needed to achieve it in the Dream Life coaching program. We always have a financial superstar speaker, and it's amazing to see the actions people took in the program last year—super inspiring.

For me, financial freedom is about having the choice to do whatever I want with my time. One of my highest values is traveling, and I love how I'm able to combine work, family, travel, health, and well-being—all my values. This is only possible if you're clear on what your dreams and values are so you can start working towards your financial freedom, whatever that means for you.

Let's dive into some tips on how to create financial freedom in your life:

1. Set Clear Financial Goals: Just like dreaming, setting financial goals helps you focus and take actionable steps. Whether it's saving for a rainy day, paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or making your dreams come true—things like buying your dream home or traveling around the world—clear goals are essential so you know where you're going.
2. Budget and Save: Create a budget that aligns with your financial goals. Track your expenses and find areas where you can save. Remember, every little bit helps and adds up over time. For me, it's about knowing what you have and what you do with your money—an eye-opener for many people.
3. Invest in Yourself: Invest in education, skills, and experiences that can improve your earning potential and personal growth. This could mean taking a course, attending a workshop, or reading books that enhance your knowledge. This is something I always spend money on—investing in skills and knowledge and mindsets pays back big time. Don't save on this.
4. Multiple Income Streams: Diversify your income sources. This could be a side business, freelancing, or investments. Multiple income streams provide security and increase your financial resilience. I also find it really fun learning all about financial freedom.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Debt: While some debt can be strategic, avoid high-interest debt that can trap you in a cycle of repayment—especially credit cards. If you have existing debts, prioritize paying them off. Most experts agree it's not about how much money you make; it's about what you do with the money you make. Debt is great if you invest it in something that can make you money, but not for things that won't add value over time.
6. Plan for the Future: Think long-term and invest in long-term assets. Consider your financial needs for the future. Planning ahead ensures you're not just living for today, but also securing your tomorrow.
7. Mindset Matters: Cultivate a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. Believe that financial freedom is possible for you and take steps—no matter how small—towards that belief. In the Dream Life coaching program, we have sessions focused on the mindset around money, which is so important. Many of us have been programmed since childhood with beliefs that might not be useful for creating financial freedom and your dream life.

If you're excited about the thought of financial freedom and want to make this happen as one of your dreams, I encourage you to join the Dream Life Coaching Program for July. You'll work on your own financial freedom plan, get expert advice, and connect with like-minded individuals on the path to financial and personal freedom.

Remember, financial freedom is not an end goal, but a means to live a life you truly desire. It's about having the power to make choices that align with your dreams and values so you can fully live your dream life, whatever that means for you.

Thank you so much for joining me today. If you found this episode helpful, feel free to share it with others who might benefit as well. As always, I'll be back on Monday with a new Monday Morning Motivation episode. See you then!