What Financial Freedom Really Looks Like (and How to Start Today)
Mildred Dillon CPA 
It’s July—and while folks are focused on fireworks and summer fun, around here, I shine a light on something even more powerful: financial freedom.
What Does Financial Freedom Really Look Like?
It’s July—also known to me as Financial Freedom Month—and if you’re anything like the people I talk to every day, just hearing that phrase might stir something deep.
You might be thinking:
“Financial freedom sounds amazing… but I’m just trying to stay afloat.”
I get it. We’re often shown images of six-figure savings accounts, debt-free living, and passive income streams. But here’s the truth most people don’t say out loud:
Freedom doesn’t always start with big numbers. Sometimes, it looks like:
Not panicking when your car needs repairs
Paying rent early—just once
Feeling in control of your money, instead of the other way around
Let’s Make That Your Reality—Starting This Month
After the 2008 recession, I found myself broke, with a credit score that made lenders shake their heads. I knew something had to change, so I went back to basics: the cash envelope system. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked.
18 months later, I had saved $20,000.
Not because I earned more—but because I handled what I had differently.
That savings didn’t just fix my finances—it gave me peace of mind.
It gave me options.
And that, for me, was the first taste of real freedom.
Now I want the same for you.
3 Practical Tools to Help You Make Progress
You don’t need another budgeting spreadsheet. You need traction—something that actually moves the needle. So this month, I’m sharing three tools that can help:
1. Find $500 Fast
A straightforward guide with 28 ways to find extra money—no fluff, no gimmicks. Just real strategies that work, even if you’re paycheck-to-paycheck.
→ [Download it free]
2. Paycheck Power Tool
If you’re working a 9-to-5, this guide walks you through reading your paystub to find extra money you can take home now.
3. (Coming Soon) The M-O-N-E-Y Talk On-Demand Webinar
If you're in a season where you're trying to bounce back from a financial setback—this is for you.
Before I created my 5-step M-O-N-E-Y system, I had to face some hard financial truths of my own. In this 13-minute overview—recorded in April 2020 during the COVID shutdowns—I share what I went through during the 2008 recession, how I pulled myself out, and the mindset shifts and action steps that made the biggest difference.
This isn’t the full training—that’s coming soon—but it is the foundation.
Think of it as the on-ramp to everything that comes next.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure where to begin, this short video could change the way you think about your money—for good.
→ [Learn More About M-O-N-E-Y]
Missed Some Tools? I’ve Got You.
If life’s been hectic and you haven’t opened every email from me or seen every post on social meda, no worries. You can get the full July recap—all the tools and resources I’ve shared so far—in one place.
→ [Sign up for the recap here]
Final Thought: Freedom Looks Different for Everyone
For one person, it’s having a fully-funded emergency fund.
For another, it’s being able to say yes to your kids more often.
Wherever you are right now—start there.
Use what you have.
Take one next step.
Because financial freedom is possible. And no, it doesn’t have to be fancy.
With you every step,
Mildred Dillon, CPA
Categories: : Financial Planning, Saving, Wealth Mindset