I became financially free in June 2019 when I found the words "passive income" online. At the time, I was still $77,000 in debt.
However, reading these words made me understand that time is more important than money. To earn your time back, you must become financially independent.
Over the next four years, my wife and I lived below our means, onboarded roommates, paid off debt, and invested faithfully.
These steps will lead us to become financially independent by the end of 2023, when I retire from the military. Looking back, it all started with the concept of buying my time. Financial freedom is a mindset (time over money). Good Luck!