Why Financial Independence?

One of the biggest questions we get asked and that we continuously ask ourselves, is Why?

 Why are we pushing ourselves so hard to be financially independent?

Ultimately, we both want the security that financial independence affords. I have always been passionate about helping others and as a first responder, recognize that big fancy paychecks just aren't a part of the job. To offset that, I see that by pursuing FI in other areas I am setting myself and our future family up for a healthier and happier future.

I personally have seen so many of my coworkers working multiple EMS jobs just to make ends meet. What results is someone who used to love the job turning into someone who is burnt out and exhausted. I pledged when I became a paramedic that I would do whatever I can to prevent that from happening.  By being financially independent I can continue to do the work I love because I want to. Not because I have to.

Em wants to make sure we always have a safe place to live after watching her parents and younger sister experience homelessness and financial hardship.  She also uses this passion to ensure others don't face the same difficulties her family experienced.

We want to be able to be present and engaged in our community without worrying about if we can afford to take a lasagna to a friend whose husband just had surgery. Or if we can take a day off without pay to visit a sick relative or friend.

We also both feel called to grow our family through adoption or foster care. Having met working in a group home, we have first hand experience as to the type of resources some of these kids need. We don't want to have to choose between signing our child up for an extracurricular activity or therapy.