Just like how people learn differently – some are visual, some are listeners and some need actual doing – so is how we relate to a message.
When you first heard the message of financial independence, it might have been through an article, blog post or social media, but there was an initial spark that caught your attention. Someone had packaged it in a way that caught your eye or spoke about it in a voice that resonated with you. Hopefully you latch onto that resource and continue to learn.
Although the media has slightly improved over the years, I still find the overall FIRE message to be convoluted or misrepresented when the topic finds its way crossing over into the mainstream news outlets. The uninformed are quick to judge and the masses of naysayers relish in every opportunity to uphold the status quo. Yet, if you have made it this far, then you’ve probably already found a way to circumnavigate the original misconceptions of FI and break through to the fundamental freedoms within.
With that being said, since there are so many different FI blogs out there now, it might be a little overwhelming on where to start. My advice (and it is worth exactly what it costs you: nothing) is to find the voice that speaks the message clearest to your ears and don’t be afraid to try different mediums. I still work a corporate job and have a long daily commute, so my preference for consumption tends to be reading blogs (of course I’m not reading them at work, *wink) and listening to podcasts. I also know YouTube channels are popular if video is more your thing. But don’t be afraid to experiment, there is a gamut of all walks of life out there from low income to high earners, renters to homeowners, those in debt and those not, etc.
I personally enjoy reading a diverse range of blogs by both low and high-income earners – you never know – you might find yourself progressing from a low to high income or vice versa someday, as was the case in my own life. In future posts, I’ll dive further into my own personal story that will touch upon both ends of this spectrum.
As I continue to write, and develop my own voice, there will be some heavy hitting topics coming up down the road and I believe that is the best way for others to learn. Decisions are not made in a vacuum and the underlying psychology of why and the person’s mental state, can be even more important and informative sometimes than the actual decision itself. I also think it’s easy to be misled with the math… and by that, I mean that numbers are simple. They give you a black and white answer that is either correct or not correct. But it is the unstable emotions, the peer pressure, the weight of conformity and the shame of past failures that make personal finance so complex. Make no mistake about it, there is nothing simple when it comes to our relationship with money and trying to make the best decisions for our future lives.
Yet it doesn’t mean that any challenge can’t be surmounted… and at least you can smile.
Till next time.
-Q-FI
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