: Reaching a point where your investments generate enough income to cover your lifestyle indefinitely, making work optional. Abundant Wealth

, and the goal of financial independence is to buy back your time as quickly as possible. The 7 Levels of Financial Freedom

: Clearing high-interest debt (like credit cards) and saving six months of living expenses as a safety net. Flexibility

In his book Financial Freedom: A Proven Path to All the Money You Will Ever Need Grant Sabatier

Sabatier breaks the journey into seven distinct stages to help track progress beyond just a single "end goal":