I have several stepping stone goals to reach this one big goal
Firstly I need about £950 (before tax) per month, now that would cover all my contribution to the household ie utilities, food, rent etc and at this point (and I'm already on the way to this goal with my Utility Warehouse business) I could be financially free, if I never went out again or did anything else! That would be pretty boring though, so that leads me onto stage 2.
Stage 2 I need around about £1800 (before tax) a month coming in on a residual income basis, to cover other bills like fuel, mobile phone, going out for a meal once per month, car insurance and so on, Then I'd be pretty happy with that, I'd pretty much never have to worry about bills again. Of course I'd still have a linear income at this point by that I mean I'd have an income where I get paid for the hours I work.
Stage 3 is around £3250 (before tax) I think this is a nice figure for me to be able to have and do what I want when I want, also if I wanted I could drop the linear income sources, although I probably won't as I'll take the income from that and invest in to a residual income such as shares.
Final stage of financial freedom would be around £6500+ (before tax), Now I say plus, because why limit yourself, but on this sort of income for me it means not only will I never have to work again (if I didn't want to) but then neither would my wife (well you need someone to share the time with). This would mean being able to have what we want when we want it, going on holiday at the drop of a hat, go to any restaurant we want and not have to look at the right hand side (the cost) you get the picture.
So why do I have these four figures?
The £6500+ figure is nice and I will get that within the next ten years but it's much better to have those smaller goals on the way to tick off, otherwise it's be a bit like having a 20 ft ladder with only 2 rungs! Of course I have other goals in between and there aren't only four rungs on my ladder, I've just written this to give you an idea, so what are your goals to your greater goals, get it written down and have it clear in your head, it is very motivational.
If you want to share your stepping stones, feel free, I'd love to know.
To your success
Paul