Achieving financial freedom is not a game when you're starving and struggling to get by. For many, the concept of financial freedom conjures images of endless possibilities—traveling the world, working less, and living without financial constraints. However, the reality for millions of people is far removed from this idealistic vision. When basic needs like food, shelter, and security are hard to come by, the idea of financial freedom feels less like an attainable goal and more like an impossible dream.
Living in survival mode forces you to focus on immediate concerns. When every dollar earned is already spoken for—whether to pay rent, buy groceries, or keep the lights on—long-term goals such as saving, investing, or building wealth can seem irrelevant. Financial planners may talk about the importance of saving 20% of your income or building an emergency fund, but for those living paycheck to paycheck, those suggestions can feel almost mocking. The reality is stark: you cannot save what you do not have, and you cannot plan for the future when you are consumed by the present.
The emotional toll of financial insecurity cannot be overstated. The stress of not knowing where your next meal will come from or how you will pay your bills takes a significant mental and physical toll. It affects decision-making, often leading to choices that seem counterproductive to financial freedom. For example, taking out high-interest loans or using credit cards to cover basic needs can trap individuals in a cycle of debt that feels impossible to escape. This vicious cycle is not a failure of character but a byproduct of systemic issues and the pressures of living in survival mode.
Achieving financial freedom under such circumstances requires an entirely different approach. Traditional advice often assumes a level of stability and access to resources that many people simply do not have. For those in crisis, the first step is often not about financial planning but about finding immediate relief and support. This could mean seeking assistance from community resources, food banks, or charitable organizations. While these measures may not lead directly to financial freedom, they can provide the breathing room needed to start addressing deeper financial issues.
Education is another critical component. While it might seem like a luxury for those struggling to survive, learning about personal finance can empower individuals to make informed decisions. Even small steps, such as understanding how to create a basic budget or recognizing predatory financial practices, can make a difference over time. Additionally, exploring opportunities to increase income—whether through side gigs, acquiring new skills, or seeking better-paying jobs—can slowly start to shift the balance from surviving to thriving.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that systemic changes are needed to make financial freedom more attainable for everyone. Wage stagnation, the rising cost of living, and lack of access to affordable healthcare and education are barriers that cannot be overcome by individual effort alone. Advocacy for policies that address these issues—such as raising the minimum wage, expanding access to social safety nets, and improving financial literacy programs—is crucial. Without these systemic changes, the path to financial freedom will remain out of reach for many.
For those struggling to get by, financial freedom may not mean the same thing as it does for someone with ample resources. It may not be about retiring early or accumulating wealth but rather about achieving a level of stability and security that allows for dignity and peace of mind. It’s about breaking free from the constant stress of financial insecurity and being able to make choices based on desire rather than desperation.
The journey to financial freedom is undoubtedly harder for those starting at a disadvantage. But it is not impossible. It begins with small, deliberate steps and a recognition that progress, however incremental, is still progress. It requires resilience, creativity, and often the support of others. Above all, it requires a shift in how society views and supports those who are struggling. Financial freedom is not a game, but a fundamental human aspiration that should be within reach for everyone, regardless of their starting point.