Finding Financial Freedom this Fourth of July
As fireworks light up the skies over San Antonio and New Orleans this Independence Day, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on a different kind of freedom—financial freedom. At Credit Human, we believe that true independence means having the financial slack to weather life’s ups and downs, make choices that align with your values, and build a future that’s sustainable, for you and your community.
Whether you're just starting out or working to regain your footing, here are some timely, human-centered steps you can take this July to move closer to financial freedom.
1. Forget Budgeting, Create a Spending Plan Based on the Things You Really Value
Looking at your spending habits should be a judgement free zone. Sure, there are things we all have to do, like paying that utility bill on time, but other things are specific to your own tastes. Formulating a Spending Plan isn’t about restriction 🤮—it’s about intention 🥳. It’s a plan that reflects your values and goals, and it gives you control. Try this:
- Track your spending for one month.
- Identify what brings you joy and what doesn’t.
- Redirect spending from “meh” to meaningful.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be aware. That awareness is powerful.
2. Invest in what Matters Most
Financial freedom comes from needing less and choosing wisely, rather than having more. After all, freedom is an outcome of living in line with your personal values, and that includes aligning where your money goes with what you consider important. This 4th of July, consider:
- Supporting local businesses and farmers markets.
- Sharing a meal you cooked at home with love instead of dining out.
- Showing your loved ones your care through experiences instead of expensive gifts.
2. Build Slack, Not Just Savings
In today’s economy, having a cushion isn’t just smart—it’s essential. But we like to think of it as building slack: the breathing room that lets you handle a car repair, a job change, or a rent hike without spiraling into crisis.
Start with a goal of $500 in a separate savings account. Then build toward one month of expenses. Automate what you can to make it easier on yourself, even if it’s just $10 a week. Slack creates the space to live well even when the unexpected happens.
4.Declare Your Independence from High-Interest Debt
Getting into debt is easy but getting out can feel like an uphill battle. It is a fight you can win. You can break free from the weight of high-interest debt, one step at a time. Start by:
- Listing all your debts and their interest rates.
- Prioritize paying off the highest-interest ones first (the “avalanche” method).
- Explore local credit union options, like the ones we have at Credit Human, for lower-interest loans or financial counseling.
- Talk to one of our highly qualified team members to build a strategy and begin taking action to lower, and even eliminate, your debts.
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. As a Federal Credit Union, we work in the best interests of our members, rather than in the interest of profit, so Credit Human can be your ally. We’re with you every step of the way.
Even small steps can create momentum. Momentum builds freedom.
5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Financial freedom is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate every step—every debt paid down, every dollar saved, every mindful choice. Share your wins with friends. Encourage each other. That’s how we build not just personal resilience, but social resilience. That is the kind of financial freedom that lifts up whole communities.
This Independence Day, Choose Freedom
At Credit Human, we’re here to help you build a life with less financial stress and more possibility. Our Financial Health Centers are closed on July 4th, but they will be open again during regular business hours on July 5. Our Member Relationship Specialists are ready to help you plan and implement your path to financial freedom. This 4th of July, let’s honor the spirit of independence by taking steps—big or small—toward a more secure, sustainable future.
Because freedom isn’t just a word. It’s a way of living.