Advice to ponder.

What is financial freedom for you?

I’ve been asking myself this question lately as I do have some ambitious financial goals. Interestingly, when I reflect deeply on the question, it is not really about cash. It is about experiences, memories and security. This means I must be aware of how I’m managing money. And most importantly, if I’m actually spending it on the things I really value.

One of the biggest realizations I had while reading I Will Teach you to be Rich was: you can automate your money allocation. Sure, I know I can automate rent payments, but I never thought of doing it with my accounts... I mean, for savings, investments, vacation, and even for a trendy coat.

“Spend extravagantly on the things you love, and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don’t.”
— Ramit Sethi

Blah, blah, blah.

Last week I mentioned how easy it could be to neglect gratitude. I made a conscious effort to retrieve all the great things I already have and need, and it is impressive how my mood immediately shifts when I feel grateful.

I crossed paths with this beautiful poem, which says it all:

“Sometimes hidden from me
in daily custom and in trust,
so that I live by you unaware
as by the beating of my heart,

Suddenly you flare in my sight,
a wild rose blooming at the edge
of thicket, grace and light
where yesterday was only shade, 

and once again I am blessed, choosing
again what I chose before.”

The Wild Rose by Wendell Berry

Learn with me.

Expand your Mind.

App: Speakly (learn new languages)

Book: (For my Portuguese audience) Portugal – Liberdade e Esperança by Joaquim Miranda Sarmento

Article: Why Do People Believe the ‘Social Media is Mind Control’ Myth? by Nir Eyal