A person is financially independent when your invested assets can support sufficient cash flow distributions for you to maintain your desired lifestyle for as long as you live.
Simultaneously, the investment portfolio must grow to offset inflation and to provide for any lump sum needs or expenses in the future. For many, growing and preserving one’s assets for his or her heirs is an important goal.
Growth increases the safety of the portfolio.
Financial Independence is achieved when you have no worry or concern that the concurrent goals of desired income and growth will both be realized over time.
— Keith M. Lichtcsien, CFP®, AEP®
Copyright © by Keith M. Lichtcsien, CFP®, AEP®, 1997