Avoid Debt

The accumulation of consumer debt works directly against the goal of financial independence. When you use the credit available to you to buy consumable goods, your efforts are much more likely to enrich big banks than provide you with financial stability. 

Automobile loans, payday loans, and credit cards are all financial encumbrances that should be used sparingly. An important first step on the path to financial independence is to eliminate high-interest debt so that the money you earn can work for you and not big banks.