I’ve been pursuing financial freedom for decades. I’ve done the seminars, listened to the podcasts and read the books. I’m not a novice – I started investing decades ago – but somehow, I never seem to get closer to it. Life happens: family growth, medical emergencies, unexpected expenses. Financial freedom (when your investments are cashflow positive and can fund your expenses) never seems to get much closer. I’m tired of trying to get out of the rat race. What am I missing?

Ah, the financial freedom dream. It’s one that starts with good intentions: you discover this concept and you are mind-blown. Who knew that if you invested enough, you could live off your investments, retire early and then do what you really wanted in life?

The pursuit of financial freedom can feel more like a prison. Credit: Simon Letch

You’re excited. You jump on the bandwagon to take control of your finances. You start saving, learning to invest, optimising every dollar. Every decision starts to be one made in service of this goal.

That job you hate? It’ll be worth it when you’re financially free. Vacations? Nice clothes? Fancy restaurants? No one needs that. You’re focused on something more important.

You whittle your life down to bare necessities. You sacrifice,........

© The Age