My Journey from Broke to Financially Free

There are some experiences in life that change you completely. My story is just like that – from a time when I could barely afford Rs. 100 in my pocket, today I am in a position where I can not only meet my needs but also invest comfortably for the future. This article is for all those who want to become financially strong in life but are unable to get started.

The beginning: When everything was a mess

A few years ago, my life was a complete mess. I had a normal job that paid a decent salary, but I always ran out of money at the end of the month. Credit card bills, loans, and a long list of needs – all of these together had become a burden on my mind.

I couldn’t understand why this was happening. Money would come every month, but it wouldn’t last.

Turning Point: Holding a Mirror

One day, I looked at my bank statements and expenses and Understand that it wasn’t money that I was making, but my money sense was weak. I was spending without thinking – eating out, expensive clothes, unnecessary subscriptions, and things I bought on ‘EMIs’ from time to time.

From that day on, I decided that I would change. And change always starts with yourself.

Step 1: Budgeting and making a spending list

I started writing down my daily expenses in a simple notebook. This helped me understand where my money was going. I made a strict budget that had space for essentials, savings, and small fun.

Money without a budget is like traveling without a map.

Step 2: Developing a saving habit

I decided that no matter how tight I was, I would transfer 20% of my money to a savings account at the beginning of the month. It was difficult initially, but as I made it a regular affair, I began to feel a mental balance.

Then I started investing in schemes like SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) and PPF (Public Provident Fund).

Step 3: Create additional sources of income

I realized that one cannot become rich just by having a job. I started freelancing in my free time – content writing, social media management, and gradually learned digital marketing.

This not only increased my income, but also boosted my confidence tremendously.

Step 4: Get rid of debt

Debt is a person’s biggest mental prison. I first paid off my entire credit card dues. After that, I planned to repay all the loans gradually.

After every EMI was over, I felt as if a chain had broken.

Step 5: Get financial education

Along with earning money, it is also important to use it properly. I read books like “Rich Dad Poor Dad”, “The Psychology of Money” and also learnt from YouTube channels.

I learnt that saving money is not enough, investing it in the right place is also important.

Step 6: Lifestyle changes

I made several lifestyle changes –

• Reduced the habit of eating out
• Followed a 30-day mindfulness policy before buying expensive gadgets
• Prioritize necessity and sustainability over branded things
• Stopped underestimating myself by looking at other people’s lives on social media

These small changes improved both my mental peace and financial situation.

Status Today

Today I am financially independent. I have an emergency fund, health and term insurance, and I am also investing for retirement. The biggest thing – now I look at money with balance, not stress.

Now I also inspire others to be financially aware, especially the youth who get stuck in the beginning.

What did you learn?

If you are also facing financial crisis, then don't panic. You need only three things:

1. Honest self analysis
2. Taking small steps
3. Maintaining patience and discipline

Remember, wealth is not something that can be achieved overnight. It is a habit, a mindset.