Episode #11: How to Become Financially Independent and…Fulfilled?

Jerry and Maria Smith are a fantastic couple pursuing financial independence in Canada. Jerry is an engineer while Maria is a full-time teacher. They are accompanied by their one-year old daughter on this journey to financial independence. Their pursuit of financial independence started 5 to 10 years ago. They prioritized their money to buy their freedom. They have managed to pay off all their mortgages and at the same time, travel and enjoy their lives. Maria has her blog, "Handful of Thoughts", a place where she shares her journey on being a financially independent mamma. Highlights of the show: * Why having a child and the “pause” of COVID-19 has altered their view of financial independence for Jerry and Maria?* How their perspective of time and money is changing* How they paid down their personal mortgage in 5 years and still traveled!* How the concept of financial independence has change how they spend their money* How the pursuit of financial independence is not just about eating rice and beans* Steps you can take to join the financial independence journey* Having a strong WHY keeps you focused on your journey* How Maria convinced Jerry to pay off their mortgage in 5 years!* How this couple has been able to create a healthy money relationship together* What benefits they experience from “consciously” spending their money on things that align with their values* How they travel “hack” to dramatically cut their travel cost* We explore their past money stories and the impact they play on their lives today* How they deal with “money control” to maintain a health balance in their relationship Take Aways: * Financial Independence “From a number to what will fulfill us ” Jerry* “We don’t want to live like everyone else” Maria* “How the pursuit of financial independence is not just about eating rice and beans” Maria Maria: * Maria’s Blog: https://handfulofthoughts.com/ Money Motto: * “Do today what others won’t, so tomorrow you can do what others can’t” – Maria & Jerry Books: * Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine by Mike Michalowicz* Your Time of Life by Vicki Robbins* The Wealthy Barber: The Common Sense Guide to Successful Financial Planning by David Chilton * Wealthing Like Rabbits: An Original and Occasionally Hilarious Introduction to the World of Personal Finance by Robert Brown* The Simple Path t...