Financial independence starts with understanding finances early on. This is how one family navigated their path together.

According to a recent survey, almost 60% of participants didn’t invest at all in 2022. This means many missed out on the chance to grow their savings. Conversations with countless individuals reveal that this lack of financial independence stems not from disinterest, but often from a lack of confidence.

I've faced the hurdles of managing personal finances myself. I’ve dealt with bounced checks, debt, and job transitions. Eventually, I realized that the information necessary for achieving financial independence was within reach. I committed to learning, knowing there’s enough for everyone if you know how to claim your share.

Financial independence varies for everyone and can change with life stages. For me, it once meant purchasing my first home, then it was about starting a family.

Recently, financial independence opened the door for a year-long adventure across North America with my husband and our four kids. We sold our home, car, and most belongings to travel in a large white van, staying in short-term rentals.

Our Adventure Begins

This journey has been extraordinary, but it began long before we set out.

Travel has always been integral to my life. As a competitive junior tennis player, I lived in tennis academies, traveling weekly for tournaments. In college, I worked with an international travel guide and managed a band performing throughout the Northeast. Pursuing an advanced degree in London was a stepping stone to explore Europe, which it certainly was.

My career has also allowed me to discover diverse cultures and share those experiences. Transitioning from entertainment journalism to brand development, I’ve worked in cities from San Francisco to Washington D.C.

Staying in one place has never felt right.

When the chance to travel full-time with my family arose, I jumped at it. However, this decision was years in the making, involving meticulous financial planning. We set clear goals and aligned our financial choices accordingly. Consistently saving and investing, even small amounts, made a difference over time. We automated investments and let them grow, which ultimately granted us options.

Budgeting for Life on the Road

As our departure approached, we created a budget together. We discussed lodging, gas expenses, experiences, and how much we wanted to save and invest on the road. Then we adhered to it.

Both my husband and I have worked remotely for years, which is crucial for this travel lifestyle. This flexibility also means I can homeschool our children, often focusing on financial literacy and developing smart money habits from an early age.

Nearly a year into this adventure, I can confidently say it has exceeded our expectations. From whale watching in Alaska to walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame to living on a sheep farm in Washington, we’ve created unforgettable memories.

I’ve connected with my four kids in ways I never imagined, watching their confidence soar as they try new foods, meet new people, and make friends. My appreciation for my marriage has deepened, and together we've become more resourceful and financially savvy. Not having home expenses and yard care simplifies our lives significantly.

The kids have witnessed first-hand how we achieved this, including our financial planning. During our school sessions, we use play money to simulate expenses like gas, groceries, and museum tickets. These practical lessons help them grasp the essence of managing money. They understand that none of this would have been feasible without our commitment to financial planning.

Setting Goals for Lifelong Learning

I'm thankful for the chance to teach these lessons early on. Sadly, four out of five adults report lacking financial education in school. While we’re making progress, many young people graduate without understanding the risks of debt and how to avoid it.

We need to change this narrative. We can advocate for financial education in schools and engage our children in financial discussions and decisions at home.

Change takes time, but it’s underway. Gen Z prefers debit cards to manage their finances responsibly. Products like the Mighty Oak Debit Card offer high yields, enabling money to grow rather than sitting idle.

Creating a culture of financial independence starts with open conversations about money among friends, family, and within ourselves. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Instead of mindlessly scrolling online, take time to read a free article on how to invest. Seek out resources available to help you.

If you’re unsure where to begin, set a goal. Work backwards to identify what you need financially to achieve it. If you face setbacks, consider what savings you need for emergencies. Review your monthly budget to find areas where you can automate saving and investing.

Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about making progress every day. Start today and ask yourself, “What’s the best that could happen?”