Income-producing assets pave the way to financial independence – Moneyweb.co.za

Financial independence is where someones sustainable passive income, overtakes their living expenses. What a pleasure, getting up in the morning and your bills for the day, month or year, have already been provided for

Financial independence is generally set as a retirement goal. This is just how we are programmed. Why should this not be brought forward? A significant number of individuals bringing this goal forward (say age 30 or 40), do achieve this goal just a few years later. Contrary to this, many individuals that leave financial independence as a retirement concept, sadly never achieve it.

The concept of financial independence should not be connected to retirement.

Prospective retirees mostly aspire to be financially independent, where financial independent individuals, rarely want to retire think of Warren Buffett, Donald Trump, Richard Branson or Elon Musk.

Financial independence is achieved through owning income-producing assets.

Income-producing assets:

Looking at modern budgets, a too small proportion of monthly spend is focused toward acquiring income-producing assets. The individuals that give greater priority towards acquiring real assets, tend to retire successfully and some retire exceptionally young.

Items that are not income producing (hence not assets)

Overspending on these leaves individuals generally wanting during retirement.

Acquiring income-producing assets will fast-track financial independence

Succession

Once individuals start focusing on acquiring income-producing assets, it is worth it to have a realistic, rational succession plan at death. Acquiring assets is not easy and requires focus, skill and a lot of hard work.

Leaving the remainder of these assets behind to a spouse or children is generally one of the greatest challenges. Studies have shown that as much as 70% of all global fortunes do not survive the second generation. Also, 90% of global fortunes disappear in the third generation of origin.

Critical thinking, innovation and exceptional achievement are mostly born out of necessity. These attributes can, however, be handed down onto future generations, although generally it requires a great deal of time investment.

Financial advice

Starting young and involving spouses and children in the family business and financial affairs is a good idea for succession planning. Involve them with financial planning, introduce them to the familys financial advisor and let them interact during meetings. These interactions simulate the real world, leaving them thoroughly prepared with the necessary financial mindset.

A financial advisor can assist avoiding general financial mistakes and focus on acquiring income producing assets. Income-producing assets are at the core of financial independence. They generally drive a lifestyle of self-actualisation and get you permanently out of the rat race.

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Income-producing assets pave the way to financial independence - Moneyweb.co.za