Since its inception in 1995, Index of economic freedom Has released strong evidence that financial independence makes the economy grow and prosper.
The index measures 12 quantitative and qualitative categories, which can be classified into four main categories of liberties:
- rule of law(Property Rights, Government Integrity, Judicial Effectiveness)
- Government size(Government expenditure, tax burden, financial health)
- Regulatory performance(Business freedom, labor freedom, financial freedom)
- Open markets(Freedom of trade, freedom of investment, financial freedom)
According to the index, economic independence is the most important variable for sustainable economic growth. In essence, financial freedom is about individual autonomy, which is primarily concerned with the freedom of choice that individuals enjoy in acquiring and using economic goods and resources.
Not surprisingly, Pakistan performs poorly in most of these categories, which means that it is even more difficult for those working and living in Pakistan to strive for financial freedom.
This article is going to talk about how we can improve our chances of achieving financial independence despite living in Pakistan, fighting against cultural and habitual norms which is our chances of living a financially comfortable life. I have obstacles.
Definition of financial freedom

Financial independence is defined in economic terms as an accessible and efficient formal financial structure. This structure ensures comprehensive and easy-to-use savings, credit, payment, and investment services for individuals and businesses. This means that financially independent people can spend, borrow and invest according to their desires without any hindrance. Easy access to financing and access to credit is also part of financial freedom.
The people of the Asia-Pacific region as a whole are an obstacle to investment freedom and the rate of financial freedom is far below world standards. Pakistan also lags behind in all indicators of financial inclusion and economic independence linked to banking and capital markets. Pakistan’s financial freedom score is 40.0 against the world average of 48.7.
According to the Economic Freedom Index, there is a clear link between high levels of financial freedom and rising per capita income. Over the past few decades, countries that have adopted some form of free market capitalism through the private sector have achieved better scores for financial independence.
This can be done by providing businesses with effective regulatory infrastructure and free flow of goods, services and capital. It allows people, and ultimately countries, to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty and dependence, which is measured by the index of financial freedom.
What does financial freedom mean for individuals?
The increasing availability of social media and information has increased the pressure to make more money. Most of us have a laid back attitude when it comes to painting a picture about ourselves. In order to achieve your goals in a well-planned way, you must be able to manage your finances.
The need to plan for an independent income starts with your first salary. The first real-time job should signal the beginning of an investment plan. Even those of us who want to learn how to manage money and move on find hard work.
Lack of available information and lack of proper investment options. The main reason? We are conditioned to be culturally inactive consumers and do not think critically about our financial future. There is a lack of proper options for those who want to plan for our financial future.
The value of our money usually decreases over time due to inflation. Rs.1000 Today’s price will be only Rs. According to the current rate of inflation, Rs. 850 next year. If this rate continues, if you keep it as cash, you will lose about 15% of your money annually. If the rates offered by your bank are lower than the rate of inflation, you will lose money even if you are saving it.
Here are some things to know if you want to achieve financial freedom while living and working in Pakistan. Financial freedom can be achieved by making small changes in your habits.
How to get financial freedom.

Early in your career, you may not see yourself in the future because you are more focused on paying bills and saving money for big ticket items. However, the dreams you have now can only be fulfilled by saving and investing heavily now.
Your ability to reach your goals and stay financially secure depends on maximizing your investment. It can provide you with resources for future financial freedom. For example, start withdrawing money automatically from your paycheck in an equity fund or voluntary pension scheme. When you leave the workforce, you will have a solid nesting egg.
1. Start investing and saving early.
Saving is an essential secret to economic and financial health. Pakistan has one of the lowest savings rates in the world. There is one in it. Gross savings rate 24.6% compared to the global average of 12.3% in 2019 and much lower than the peers in the region.
According to the theory of economic growth, savings are key to investment, and investment is essential for achieving financial growth. This means that in order for a person to achieve financial growth and development, the level of savings must be high and sustainable.
Start investing in mutual funds, ETFs and stock markets. Options are available for those who try and make time for research. Once you have the most important savings, start investing in items. For those who are just starting out, the expanding investment horizon (now and then when you have access to your money) makes it possible to invest in more productive but risky instruments. However, even at this early stage of your investment journey, it is important to build a well-integrated portfolio with strategic investments with low risk options.
Even if you spend hours analyzing financial data, changes in your investment rate can be minimal. If you have a mindset, start a small side business such as food carts, food catering, reselling, or even teaching lessons. The point is to maximize your potential and generate income to become independent.
2. Budget your income
Budgeting is the key to any successful savings plan. Regardless of how much you earn, if your income is high or you are living on your payday, you should keep track of your income and manage where the money goes.
Budgeting gives you an overview of your finances and gives you a better perspective on managing your income. Managing or creating a budget is not just about controlling your monthly cash flow, it is about looking at how much money you make and where you spend it and then evaluating whether you are doing it right. Or you need to re-evaluate your expenses.
A well-designed budget will help you keep track of your expenses and indicate where your cash is going. Documenting all the cost headings can help you see where you are subconsciously spending more than you need to. This will help you identify where to withdraw the extra cash to pay off your debt faster or create an emergency fund.
3. Focus on saving more than you spend.
I always say that, but please buy and spend carefully. If you give up your weekly good eating ritual, buy less branded goods, and make a habit of buying from sales, you will have more fun in your account than your closet.
4. Borrow money to make money.
To save more money, you may need to find ways to spend less or earn more. An easy way is to borrow money to buy assets that will earn you money. It is wise to take out a loan to buy a home, as long as it is financially sound and does not put you in debt. This means estimating whether the rent savings or earnings are sufficient to justify the loan installment you have to pay.
However, if you get expensive financial loans for your purchases, achieving your goal can be very costly. You can save money instead of borrowing. If you want to buy something (for example, a car) but don’t know if you can afford it, consider researching and comparing different lending resources. If you do, you may find that you want to buy something that is beyond your means.
5. Invest in yourself.
Investing in yourself and improving your skills will ensure a guaranteed return both financially and personally. Instead of investing in something, become a better version of yourself, and you will see the long term effects. Most of us have a laid back attitude when it comes to painting a picture about ourselves.
Investing in more professional skills and competencies is an investment that is deeply rooted in your decision making and yields the best results in the long run. So go for this degree or certification and make it valuable.
Result
As a nation, we save less than our counterparts across the border or in other countries in the region. With inflation soaring all the time, now is the time for us all to focus on saving more and reducing our spending.
Most adult Pakistanis living in urban areas work daily and earn a decent living. Most of us usually have empty wallets and empty bank accounts at the end of the month. This is especially true now when inflation is taking a toll on our money.
This breakdown condition does not have to be normal, and it can be avoided or at least reduced to some extent by keeping some discipline in your spending style. Spend wisely and with long term planning so that you can make some effective financial plans.
Financial freedom is not something that happens overnight. If you want financial freedom, you need to put this plan into practice so that you can reach the place where you will be able to work hard.
Changing old habits is hard and scary, but if you don’t act, what does your financial future really look like? You just have to be more discriminating with the help you render toward other people.
The post What is financial freedom? How to get it in Pakistan? First published on Smartchoice.pk.
