Financial freedom results from earning, or saving, enough money to be comfortable, no matter what unforeseen circumstance occurs. If you’ve established passive income from multiple revenue streams, or have a job that covers your expenses, you are in the perfect position to let your money work for you. Having the liberty to make decisions based on choice, rather than the pursuit of income, is a key element of life satisfaction. This type of happiness adds value to your existence. Here’s how:

You Can Live a Healthier Life

Monetary flexibility is good for your health. Extra capital in your savings account can go toward an emergency health fund. Even with a decent insurance plan, unexpected illnesses or accidents can become a huge expense. If you are not prepared to cover such a cost, you may be forced to choose between: incurring debt and settling for the medical care you can afford. On the contrary, if you’ve budgeted for such a scenario, you can pay for the medical attention you need without creating a financial crisis. Having the peace of mind that comes with being prepared reduces stress levels. Most people fear the unknown because they haven’t been able to adequately plan for it. Fear causes stress. This panic can be minimized with financial freedom. To top it off, creating an emergency fund not only decreases stress, but also betters your mental health. Worrying about money is draining. It can consume your every thought and action, but it doesn’t have to. You deserve the freedom of serenity, the freedom of prioritizing quality over cost, and the freedom of mental health. While money doesn’t buy happiness, it does indeed afford you better options for your health, and we can all benefit from that.

You Can Be a Blessing to Others

Most people have the desire to give, but lack the means. Some choose to set aside their budgets to assist others, but may face financial consequences down the line. This scenario is not ideal. Financial freedom affords you a unique opportunity to help others, sans fiscal compromise. Once you have more than enough money to support yourself, it’s much easier to give freely without sacrificing funds that were budgeted for other needs.

Financial freedom also creates flexibility of time. Charity doesn’t always mean money. Sometimes, time is the best gift you can give. People who must work a certain number of weekly hours in order to pay their bills probably don’t have many opportunities to take time off for service projects. However, people who have the flexibility of time, can and do.

You Can Take Control Again

When you are living paycheck to paycheck, you don’t have full control. Your financial needs dictate your time, decisions, and behavior. You may not be able to be spontaneous, take risks, or boldly stand up for your beliefs. When another person controls your ability to pay for your basic needs, you have to be careful not to agitate that source. Not being fully in control is limiting. Without financial freedom, it’s difficult to feel uninhibited. You may yearn to follow your dreams, pursue your passions, or express yourself without worry, but the consequences feel steep. Just remember, you don’t have to live that way. Set your goals on becoming financially unrestricted and watch how your options widen. Stop missing out on experiences that may interfere with your paycheck. Stop running from your dreams. Make freedom of choice a reality.

Financial freedom unlocks liberation in many other areas of life. You can’t afford to let money control you. Your health, passion, and life of charity are waiting for you. Create a path to economic independence, and start living the life you deserve.