Your 12-Month Freedom Plan: A Checklist

Let’s cut the fluff—financial freedom ain’t built in a day, but one year of focused action can change everything. Here’s your no-nonsense roadmap:

Months 1-3: Foundation

• Calculate your net worth (face the numbers)

• Set up auto-transfers for savings (even $20/week)

• Slash one dumb expense (that gym membership you don’t use)

Months 4-6: Debt Attack

• Pick a payoff method (snowball or avalanche)

• Negotiate lower interest rates (5-minute calls = savings)

• Start a side hustle (pick one from Step 6)

Months 7-9: Invest & Grow

• Open a Roth IRA (Fidelity/Vanguard)

• Automate index fund investments ($50/month minimum)

• Learn one new money skill (taxes/credit)

Months 10-12: Optimize

• Increase retirement contributions by 1%

• Build a 3-month emergency fund

• Celebrate wins (seriously—reward progress)

Print this. Stick it on your fridge. Freedom’s built brick by brick.