Matthew A. Treskovich| Special to The Ledger

We live in a remarkable time. This year, we've faced tremendous challenges, from a global pandemic and recession, to a contested election.

Despite these challenges, there has never been a better time to be alive than now, and never a better place to live than the United States of America. Modern medicine has given us treatments and vaccines at a speed never before seen in human history. American capitalism has already launched an economic recovery stronger than any on record. These are remarkable achievements, but there is a bigger reason that this is a great time to be alive.

In America today, anyone can achieve financial independence.

Financial Independence simply means reaching the point where you work because you want to, not because you have to.

We all have the ability to achieve financial independence if we do the right things. Achieving financial independence means focusing on the things you can control and having a plan for the things you cant.

We have complete control over how much we spend and how much we save. The easiest way to achieve financial independence is to save early and save often. If youre not already saving, the best time to start is right now.

We have no control over what the markets will do. More often than not, the markets will go up. Sometimes they will go down. While we cant control the markets, we can control how and where we invest. Having a plan to invest wisely and participate in market returns is another key to achieving financial independence.

We have little control over tax rates, but proper planning can give you some control over the taxes you pay and when you pay them. Every dollar you pay in unnecessary taxes is a dollar that is lost forever. Saving money is important but saving and investing wisely to minimize taxes is just as important.

Anyone can achieve financial independence. Its not complicated, even though at times it might seem difficult. Having a plan and sticking to the plan are the things that set financial independent people apart from the rest.

This year you can give the gift of financial independence to yourself or someone you care about.All it takes is making a plan, saving oftenand investing wisely. Most importantly, stick to your plan and get help from an expert if you need it.

Matthew Treskovich is the chief investment officer for CPS Investment Advisors. He can be reached at 863-688-1725 or by email at Matt@CPSInvest.com.

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Your Money: Give yourself the gift of financial independence - The Ledger