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Self Improvement

How To Become Independently Wealthy

March 29, 2017
By Brock Kernin
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getting rich, becoming independently rich, building wealth

Many of us dream of having enough wealth to walk into work one day, tell our boss, “I quit!" and walk out the door never to return. To not rely on anyone else financially, or on employment to support yourself is commonly called being independently wealthy. Becoming independently wealthy doesn’t usually just happen in an instant, unless you win the lottery or have a rich family member leave you their riches in their will. It takes hard work and very specific actions.

Step 1 To Becoming Independently Wealthy: Create Financial Surplus

The first step to becoming independently wealthy is to create some cash within your current budget to work with. You’ll want to evaluate each of your expenses, and cut anything unnecessary or that doesn’t give you enough value to make it worth it. You might also look to increase your income by working overtime or a second part-time job. Through a combination of reducing expenses and increasing income the goal is to give yourself funds to work with to get the process going.

Step 2 To Becoming Independently Wealthy: Create Passive Income

A person working to become independently wealthy will use the funds generated in step one to generate passive income. Passive income is money earned by a person not having to put in any effort. In other words, it’s putting your money somewhere that it grows on it’s own. There are many popular ways to do this:

  • Invest In The Stock Market : As the stock market goes up, your initial investment will grow. There is, of course, some risk as the stock market could go down. However, over the long term, the stock market trends upwards providing a return higher than a simple savings account.
  • Invest in a Business : Maybe your best friend is starting what you believe will become the hottest new place in town. All he needs to get started is some capital. You can invest your money for a slice of the profits.
  • Invest in Property : Over time property values go up. While you’re waiting you might even be able to rent it out generating rental income generating additional income.

Step 3 To Becoming Independently Wealthy: Diversify

To reduce risk, someone working to become independently will put their money into several different wealth building techniques to protect their wealth should one of them not work out. For example, if your friend’s business doesn’t turn out as expected, you would still have your stock portfolio and your rental property.

Becoming independently wealthy is not a get rich quick scheme. It takes hard work, and time to let your money grow. When the income generated from these activities exceeds your cost of living, then you no longer need to get up in the morning and go to work. You have become independently wealthy!

Check out these articles:

Top things to remember when applying for a loan
Thinking of becoming a member of the National Consumer Panel?
A review of Blue Apron
Saving on water utilities if you have a pool
Which is Cheaper: Keg or Canned Beer?

Brought to you courtesy of Brock

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Image of Clever Dude writer Brock Kernin.

About Brock Kernin

Brock Kernin is a software engineer and personal finance writer who paid off more than $100,000 in credit card debt through disciplined budgeting and debt-management strategies. Drawing on that experience, his BA degree and years of practical writing, he contributes clear, actionable money guidance to CleverDude focused on everyday financial decisions, frugal living, and long-term stability.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ann says

    April 1, 2017 at 8:04 am

    That’s very good advice to “evaluate each of your expenses, and cut anything unnecessary or that doesn’t give you enough value to make it worth it.” I need to do that and see how much extra money can be gained each month.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      April 3, 2017 at 3:17 pm

      I go through an evaluation of all our expenses every couple of months. What seems worth it now, may lose it’s value over time – OR I might pick up something that I shouldn’t have. It’s always worth the effort!

  2. Mel @ brokeGIRLrich says

    April 1, 2017 at 9:28 am

    It takes a lot of steps to get to being independently wealthy, but I don’t think it’s quite as hard as everyone things. I’m nowhere near it myself, but I am about halfway down your list towards it and none of the steps have been that terrible. It’s just a matter of making yourself do it.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      April 3, 2017 at 3:18 pm

      Exactly, Mel – just like achieving any other major goal in life, it requires patience and consistent action. Sticking to something for a long period of time is what gets people.

  3. Jamie @ Medium Sized Family says

    April 1, 2017 at 5:16 pm

    I have a one track mind sometimes, so diversifying takes extra effort to make myself branch out. But it’s a step you just can’t skip if you want financial freedom.

    Reply
    • Brock says

      April 3, 2017 at 3:19 pm

      True story, Jamie. While single tracking your wealth building efforts might work well for a time, it’s a dangerous game just waiting for catastrophe to strike.

  4. Ms. Frugal Asian Finance says

    April 2, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    My husband and I want to invest in real estate after pay off our mortgage, so I’ve been reading a lot of real estate blogs and listening to real estate podcasts to prepare for that. Interesting read!

    Reply
    • Brock says

      April 3, 2017 at 3:20 pm

      You’re putting in the time to building your knowledge foundation, which is a great thing. Jumping into something uninformed is a recipe for failure!

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