The Future of the Financial Independence Movement

In yesterday’s post I talked about pivoting towards financial independence 2.0. This pivot involves moving away from the mechanics of FI and towards philosophy. Financial freedom is a life hack, a tool, a superpower. Its greatest benefit, however, is not what it is but rather what it can buy us. Freedom to pursue our unique purpose, identity and connection in life. While all this sounds nice, it leaves the future of the financial independence movement a little too amorphous.

If we are going to move forward as a community, we need a lot more than just philosophy. We need a concrete road map for where the fully funded lifestyle will take us.

Here are a few of my ideas.

Past is Prologue

The future of financial independence movement is still the past. One of the main tenets will continue to be to define the simple path to wealth and financial freedom. We cannot let go of our history nor ignore the width and breadth of expertise in financial matters.

Every day, new readers are finding the personal finance blogosphere. Podcasts are being downloaded at record speed. New converts still crave the basics. How to save, budget, side hustle, and invest will always be important topics.

If we abandon creating content around these issues, we will douse a bucket of water on all our progress. To continuously build and create community, we need to still speak to our newest members.

Support

One of my greatest take aways from attending both CampFI Midwest and CampFI South was that I no longer needed to learn the how from my community. I had already spent a lifetime learning how. What gave me the most pleasure was surrounding myself with a group of people who not only believed in the unlikely road that I have chosen to take, but can support me through the transition.

I am petrified. Scared of letting go of the accumulation phase. Afraid that I can’t properly define what is enough. While I know that I have to embrace the fear, it is hard to do it alone.

When we meet in real life we augment the proof of concept we find on-line. Not only do we have great role models of early retirement out there in the ether, there are actual living breathing people to pat you on the back and tell you that it will be OK.

Only after attending some of these meet ups did I realize how much I really needed that.

The future of the financial independence movement is providing islands of support.

Innovation

The innovative space in the mechanics of financial independence is contracting. There are only so many tips and tricks to maximize savings and decrease spending. There are only so many ways to hack your taxes. While utterly important to maintain this expertise, our boundaries are moving in other directions.

The future of the financial independence movement is using the mathematics of FI to win at life. Defining our unique purpose, identity, and connections to live better. To feel more alive. To maximize the one scarce resource we have absolutely no control over.

Time.

Final Thoughts

The future is bright. This movement is only just beginning. Yet any burgeoning community will struggle with growing pains. We need to pivot. Not by rebranding but by enhancing the brand we have already created. This includes both maintaining and clarifying the original message as well as continuing to grow.

The future of the financial independence movement includes embracing the basics, providing support, and innovating to help our members live their best lives.

I can think of nothing more noble.

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