(ThyBlackMan.com) With so many people celebrating our country’s Independence Day, it seems only appropriate that we should take a moment to consider how to create personal, financial independence. There are five simple steps that can help you create, and manage, generational wealth. Remember, it’s not how much you bring in that determines your net worth. How to use your money is what separates the wealthy from the mediocre.
Step 1: Know your net worth
have to know where you stand financially if you want to grow. Take a moment to make a list of all your assets (things that you own) and subtract all your liabilities (debt you owe) to find your net worth. My first book Money Matters: The Get It Done in 1 Minute Workbook ($12) has a really simple worksheet to help you understand where you’re starting from. 
Step 2: Create a spending plan
Once you understand what you have (assets), what you owe (liabilities), and what your financial value is you can start to plan where and how you spend your money. Most of us waste more money than we realize on small purchases. We have to find opportunities to make small changes that make a big difference. For example, once you notice that you spend $20 a month on sodas at work (that’s $240 a year) you can choose to bring sodas from home or better yet start drinking water and start investing the money you were wasting.
Step 3: Invest and plan for generational wealth
Now that you’ve found a few places where you can save a few dollars, you’re going to start investing that money for your retirement with the goal of leaving an inheritance for your loved ones. Differences between retirement accounts are explained in my book 10 Things College Students Need to Know About Money ($15). If you’re wondering why planning to leave generational wealth to your loved ones is important, download my free eBook “You Shouldn’t Take It With You”.
Step 4: Talk openly
Realizing that your net worth is negative or that you’re spending way too much money on things that are not helping you build wealth will inspire some changes in your financial behavior. Your friends and family may not understand the changes you’re making or why they’re necessary. It’s important to be clear about what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, so that your family and friends can help you reach your goals. Nothing will stunt your efforts like having people you love tell you that you’re cheap.
Step 5: Make every choice count
You have your plan, you’ve talked about your plans, there’s nothing left to do but to start doing the work to become wealthy. Every choice you make is taking you one step closer to becoming wealthy or one step further away from becoming wealthy. Choose wisely.
Today can be your first day on the road to wealth. Our country has made people that work hard, and make smart choices, wealthy every year since its creation. Why not you? Make today your financial independence day.
Written By Shay Olivarria
Official website; http://www.BiggerThanYourBlock.com
