Regardless of your current money status, it sounds absurd.

But with a shift in perspective, it could change everything.

Here’s the reality about money, debt, and financial freedom:

Debt isn’t always the obstacle you think it is.

As someone with around $50,000 in educational loans accumulated before I gained financial literacy, I’m familiar with the feeling of being “trapped.” And I’ll personally never take out another loan again. But that doesn’t mean my life has to be on pause because of an all-too-common mistake I made with my money -- and neither does yours.

If you’re able to afford the basics, then debt isn’t the issue. And it’s time to honestly evaluate your values and priorities.

You don’t need a house. You don’t need a new car. You don’t need “status.”

It’s okay to want those things. (They won’t provide long-term satisfaction, but that’s for you to discover.) But when you can’t afford them -- or you have to go into more debt to “afford” them -- then it becomes clear that they’re the real obstacles to your freedom.

You don’t need 6 (or even 5) figures to be happy.

If financial freedom is about having the means to do the things you want to do when you want to do them, it’s not really about money. Rather, it’s about what you consider to be essential to your fulfillment beyond your basic physical and emotional needs.

A meaningful life doesn’t require a monthly income of $10,000+.

Nor does it require you to spend your time and energy doing work that provides you with a 5-figure monthly income or 6-figure annual salary. Unless, of course, that work is something you’d want to be doing regardless of the money involved.

But if it’s only about the money, then it’s not really about the money at all.

Money often doesn’t get you what you want.

While there’s no question about the benefits of a sustainable income and enough savings to protect against emergencies, money is only valuable to a certain point.

You can’t buy authentic relationships. You can’t buy real, supportive community. You can’t buy life purpose and fulfillment.

Before you dedicate your life to making more money to feel safe, secure, and valued, take a moment to think about why you’re doing what you’re doing.

If your pursuit of money is to distract yourself from or replace the important areas of life where you’re lacking (such as meaningful work and relationships), then you’ll want to take a step back and focus on those areas where you’ll find real fulfillment.

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What you need to know about financial freedom:

• It’s not about how much money (or debt) you have; it’s about wants and needs.

• Your values are the difference between financial freedom and false imprisonment.

• Money is only one area of your life, and it’s not a replacement for the others.

Financial freedom may be as simple as a shift in perspective. And, regardless of your income, you’re closer than you think.

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Disclaimer: I’m not a financial advisor. This content is for entertainment purposes only. In order to make the best financial decision for your own needs, please conduct your own research and seek the advice of a licensed financial advisor if necessary.