Find your community

This post is part of a 30 days series called the 30 steps program to financial independence. You can check the list of other posts here.

For the past few days, we have looked into ways to be more self sufficient in order to achieve financial independence. After all, the more you are able to do yourself, the less you need to pay someone to do it for you, and the less you need to rely on someone. Some people living off the grid are producing their own energy, food, and living there all by themselves.

Nonetheless, I think that community, and interaction with other human being has a very strong value, and can help you on your way toward financial independence. How is that?

Well first, there is the power of bartering. If I make a mean loaf of fresh bread, or if I have a huge harvest of tomatoes, chances are there is someone near me who makes a wonderful cheese, or would be happy to trade tomatoes for cucumbers.

By knowing those people, and interacting with them every once in a while, I would know who has a surplus harvest, or who needs his oil changed on his car. I would perform the oil change for free, but the person would ”owe me one”. That’s for the next time I need my gutters cleaned or some extra hands to pick my strawberries.

In an ideal world, I could easily envision no money trade for those tasks. One day I do something for you, and the next you lend me a hand. I wouldn’t want to value everything that I have done for my neighbors or my community over the years. It doesn’t have to be reciprocated either. I can volunteer at the art center, and be helped by someone who never set foot at the art center.

In the end, community is very valuable to me. This is a place where I am happy to give my time and resources, because I know that someday, when I need it, I will get the help or the value back.