We don’t always realize it, but financial freedom isn’t just about racking up a hefty bank balance or paying off every debt in sight.
It’s actually a slow burn—marked by subtle shifts in our mindset, our habits, and the daily choices we make.
If you’re feeling unsure about your progress, let me assure you: there are some less obvious, yet highly telling signs that indicate you’re well on your way.
Growing up, money wasn’t exactly a comfortable topic in my family. We tiptoed around it. As a single mom now, I’ve found that simply shifting my approach to finances has done more for my bank balance than any fancy strategy or get-rich-quick scheme.
Here at DM News, we like to shine a light on these lesser-talked-about milestones because often they signify real growth—a solid foundation that leads to long-term prosperity.
Let’s dive into eight overlooked signs that could mean you’re more financially secure than you think.
1. You know where your money goes
One of the biggest signs you’re on the path to true wealth is surprisingly mundane: you track your spending.
Maybe you’re not diving into spreadsheets every night, but you have a clear sense of your monthly expenses and know exactly how much goes into bills, groceries, or your child’s extracurricular activities.
For years, I used to say, “I have no idea where my money goes!”—and that was precisely the problem.
Once I began paying attention, I saw those seemingly small leaks (the daily latte, the frequent book hauls I’d indulge in after wandering into a cozy shop in Bloomsbury) adding up.
It didn’t mean I had to completely give them up, but awareness helped me rein things in. Research confirms that consistent budgeting and expense tracking often correlates with better overall financial health.
The point is, when you’re mindful of where every pound or dollar flows, you’re effectively putting yourself in the driver’s seat of your finances.
That sense of control sets you up for bigger steps like building an emergency fund or investing wisely later on.
2. You have an emergency fund—even a small one
We hear the term “emergency fund” so often that it’s easy to gloss over.
But having some savings to cover those unexpected expenses (like car repairs, medical bills, or an urgent flight you hadn’t budgeted for) is a massive indicator of future financial stability.
A while back, I recall rummaging around for spare change when my dishwasher suddenly broke down—and my son was only a few months old.
Stress levels? Through the roof. As soon as I started stashing away a little bit each month, the next time an appliance decided to call it quits, I could fix it without spiraling into panic.
Studies consistently show that even a modest safety net can significantly reduce financial stress.
Feeling calmer about life’s curveballs is a good sign you’re on track. You might not be rich yet, but you’re well prepared for a rainy day—and that’s worth its weight in gold.
3. You prioritize experiences over short-term splurges
“People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures,” as John C. Maxwell once said.
That quote resonates heavily when it comes to how we spend.
If you’re starting to place more value on long-term experiences—like saving for a family vacation or investing in a course that advances your career—than on impulse buys, you’re likely trending in the right direction financially.
This mindset shift might show up as thinking twice before buying the latest gadget or fancy pair of shoes.
Instead, you find yourself channeling that money toward something that will offer deeper, more lasting satisfaction. For instance, last year, I decided to budget for a mindfulness retreat instead of splurging on a new handbag.
The experience enriched me far more than any material item could have.
When you start seeing the potential return of every dollar spent—on personal growth, skill-building, or meaningful connections—this mental pivot strongly indicates you’re more future-focused.
And a forward-looking perspective is the bedrock of financial freedom.
4. You’re not afraid to talk about money openly
Money was once a taboo topic for me—something I skirted around at dinners with friends or even avoided discussing in more formal settings.
But along the journey, I realized that open, honest conversations about finances are key to learning and growing.
Now, I don’t mean you’re bragging about your stocks or interrogating others about their salaries.
But if you find yourself able to discuss budgeting strategies, negotiate pay raises at work, or simply ask for financial advice without shame, that’s a crucial indicator of progress.
As Sheryl Sandberg has said, “We need women at all levels… to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded.”
That goes for everyone, really—financial confidence is about knowing your voice matters, especially when it comes to money.
The willingness to speak up and share insights (or even vulnerabilities) shows you’re no longer letting discomfort or fear call the shots.
Healthy communication around money allows you to build better networks, learn from others, and make informed decisions.
5. You invest in your future—even in small ways
True financial freedom isn’t just about what you have right now; it’s about where you’re headed.
So if you’ve started making regular contributions to a retirement account, or you’re actively looking at ways to grow your money—through stocks, property, a side business, or even upskilling—congratulations, you’re thinking like an investor.
Initially, I assumed investing meant you had to have a six-figure income or advanced financial knowledge.
Turns out, even small, consistent contributions can snowball over time. A friend of mine who began investing just £50 a month in an index fund found that, over a few years, it transformed into a significant cushion.
When you start factoring in the long-term gain instead of fixating on instant gratification, that’s a powerful sign you’re playing the money game to win in the long haul.
And that’s exactly the mindset shift that leads to real freedom, no matter your starting point.
6. You’re not driven by comparison or peer pressure
I used to think I “had” to keep up with friends who dined at trendy restaurants or posted dreamy vacation pics every few months.
But gradually, I realized that if my budget and goals didn’t align with those activities, it was perfectly okay not to partake.
Financial freedom includes the freedom from caring what others might think of your spending choices. It takes a while to get there.
But if you’ve reached a point where you happily skip events or luxuries that don’t fit your financial plan (without feeling like you’re missing out), you’re on solid ground.
Seth Godin reminds us that “We are too busy dancing to get off the merry-go-round,” but stepping off that ride of constant comparison is liberating.
The subtle sign here is self-assurance. You’re making decisions based on what truly matters to you, not what impresses others.
That’s a monumental shift that often flies under the radar but speaks volumes about your growing financial confidence.
7. You bounce back quicker from financial setbacks
You might have read my earlier post on overcoming money mindset blocks—where I talked about the power of resilience.
This point is directly related. Life is unpredictable; there will be times when a sudden expense or a job loss knocks you off your feet.
The difference is, once you’re building a healthier relationship with money, you don’t stay down for long.
I remember a project at my old digital communications job fell through unexpectedly, cutting my income quite sharply.
Though initially rattled, I recovered faster than I ever had before—because by then, I had an emergency cushion and a side hustle that brought in some extra cash.
That resilience didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of slowly layering new habits, like saving more and diversifying my income streams.
When you find that setbacks don’t devastate you the way they once did, it’s a sure sign you’re on the right financial track.
You’ve cultivated safety nets and emotional fortitude—both crucial for long-term stability.
8. You have a clear vision for your goals
Last but definitely not least, you’re envisioning exactly where you want your finances to take you—and you’re setting realistic targets to get there.
A clear vision might look like having a specific timeline for paying off debt, buying a home, or finally taking that dream vacation with your family.
I used to keep these goals locked away in my head, convinced I’d get to them “someday.”
But “someday” isn’t a real date. Writing them down and breaking them into milestones (like saving for a down payment or systematically tackling debt) felt surprisingly empowering.
It was proof I had a roadmap, not just a vague wish.
Stephen Covey famously said, “Begin with the end in mind.” That’s exactly what having a clear vision does—it sets your GPS toward a specific financial destination.
When you move through life with that sense of purpose, day-to-day money decisions become a lot easier. You’re far less likely to stray too far from your path because you know exactly why you’re saving, investing, and working hard.
Wrapping up
The journey to financial freedom often unfolds in subtle ways, long before you see the big payoffs.
You’ll start noticing you feel calmer about emergencies, more confident talking about money, and less swayed by other people’s spending habits. Your goals become clearer, and each setback feels more like a detour than a dead end.
Don’t overlook these seemingly small signs. They’re windows into a financially stable future—one built on self-awareness, discipline, and a deeply rooted sense of purpose.
If even a handful of these indicators ring true for you, trust that you’re farther along than you might give yourself credit for.
And remember, no one’s financial path looks the same. Embrace your own pace, celebrate the small wins, and continue building habits that align with your vision.
Here at DM News, we believe that true financial freedom is about choosing how you live and what you prioritize, without letting money—or the lack of it—dictate your every move.
Keep going. The milestones are closer than you think.
