Hey there! I want to let you in on something that flipped my world upside down—in a good way. When I stumbled out of rehab at 17, I was a mess, barely scraping by for six long years. Bills piled up, and I had no clue how to get ahead. But then I found these seven principles of financial freedom, and by 27, I went from broke to a cash millionaire. Now, I’m running a $100 million business empire. Crazy, right? I’m sharing these with you because they worked for me, and I think they can work for you too. Let’s get into it.
Principle 1: Check Your Money Every Day (The 24-Hour Rule)
Most folks pretend their money doesn’t exist—they avoid it like a bad ex. Not me. I check my cash every single day. Seriously, every 24 hours, I’m eyeballing my bank accounts and my companies’ numbers. I’ve got this dashboard that shows me everything—where my money’s at, what’s coming in, what’s going out. It’s like a pulse on my finances.
Back when I started, banks would hound me for statements whenever I begged for a loan. Now? I’ve got my own spreadsheet I update weekly. I track my net worth, assets, liabilities—everything. It’s how I make smart moves and watch my wealth grow year after year. Knowing where you stand is the first step to financial freedom. You can’t fix what you don’t see.
Principle 2: Figure Out Your Magic Number
How to Pin Down Your Financial Freedom Goal
So, what does financial freedom mean to you? For me, it’s about having enough cash flowing in every month—without lifting a finger—to live the way I want. Maybe you need $5,000 a month to feel good, or maybe it’s $25,000. It’s different for everyone, and that’s okay. The trick is naming your number.
Here’s how I did it: I dreamed big. Pictured the life that’d get me stoked to wake up—nice house, travel, no stress. Then I listed every cost: rent, car, food, vacations, you name it. Added it all up. That’s my target—my passive income goal. Wealth isn’t about how much you make; it’s about what you keep. Know your number, and you’ve got a finish line to sprint toward.
Principle 3: Learn a Skill That Pays Big
You can’t pinch pennies your way to riches—you’ve gotta earn more. That’s where skills come in. I’m talking about stuff that can pull in six figures. Think coding (building apps is huge), video editing (everyone’s on TikTok these days), copywriting (words that sell), sales (closing deals is gold), or even messing with AI automation (it’s the future).
I got hooked on coding after rehab, and it changed everything. Combining what you’re good at with something people pay for makes you stand out. It’s not about saving; it’s about boosting your income. Mastering a high-value skill is a massive leap toward financial freedom.
Principle 4: Get Obsessed With One Thing
After rehab, coding wasn’t just a hobby—it became my obsession. I’d spend hours tinkering, learning, getting better. That focus turned it into a money-maker. Here’s the deal: don’t juggle a million side hustles. Pick one thing and go hard.
I’ve got this thing called the “five ones” to keep me locked in:
- One skill: Master something—like coding for me.
- One product: Focus on what you’re selling or building.
- One customer: Know who you’re helping.
- One channel: Pick a way to get noticed (social media, blogging, whatever).
- One year: Stick with it for 12 months, no distractions.
Obsessing over one thing speeds up your road to financial freedom. Distractions cost way more than focus does.
Principle 5: Pour Money Into Yourself First
People always ask me, “Where do I start investing?” Easy: yourself. Your income grows when you grow. I run this program for kids called Kings Club, and I tell them the same thing—bet on you.
Here’s how I do it:
- Books: I study them, not just skim. For $20, you get decades of wisdom. Speaking of which, grab Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki—it flipped how I see money and financial freedom. Total game-changer.
- Courses: Skip the YouTube rabbit hole; pay for a clear roadmap.
- Masterminds: Hang with people chasing the same dreams.
- Coaching: My coach turned my flops into wins with real talk and accountability.
Investing in yourself lays the groundwork for financial freedom. It’s the best return you’ll ever get.
Principle 6: Help Rich People With Their Problems
Low-paying gigs? They suck the life out of you. I learned to aim higher—solve problems for people with cash to burn. My buddy Marcelo didn’t sell candles; he built a system for stores to buy through him and made billions. That’s the mindset.
How do you connect with these folks? Try this:
- Personal messages: Skip generic emails—make it real and specific.
- Show your work: Send a sample of what you can do. Don’t just talk about it.
- Pay to play: Hit up events or groups where big players hang out. My first one at 23 blew my mind and hooked me up with future clients.
Solving rich people’s problems fast-tracks your financial freedom. They’ve got the budget, and you’ve got the solutions.
Principle 7: Quit Swapping Time for Cash
The Key to True Financial Freedom
If your business needs you every second, it’s not a business—it’s a trap. Too many owners slave away for less than minimum wage. I fixed that with what I call the “buyback principle.” Hire people to free yourself up.
Here’s my buyback loop:
- Audit your time: Look at the last two weeks—what could someone else handle?
- Hand it off: Record yourself doing it, pass the video to your hire—no extra training needed.
- Fill the gap: Use that time for stuff you love that makes money, like marketing or deal-making.
This shift is everything. Stop trading hours for dollars, and you’re building a life you don’t need to escape. That’s financial freedom right there.
Wrapping It Up: Your Roadmap to Financial Freedom
So, there you have it—my seven principles of financial freedom. Check your money daily, name your number, learn a killer skill, get obsessed, invest in yourself, help the big shots, and stop trading time for cash. These took me from rock bottom to a $100 million empire. They’re not magic—they’re just what worked for me. Give them a shot, tweak them to fit your life, and see where they take you.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: How do I figure out my financial freedom number?
A: Dream up your perfect life, list every expense it’d take (house, car, trips, bills), and add it up. That’s your monthly goal for passive income. Simple, but it gives you direction.
Q: What skills can really pay off big?
A: Coding, video editing, copywriting, sales, AI stuff—anything people need and will shell out for. Pick one that clicks with you and run with it.
Q: How do I even meet rich people to help?
A: Be real with a personal email, show them what you can do with a sample, or pay to get into events where they’re at. It’s about showing up where they are.
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