"If you haven't used that money to change your life and the lives of those you love, then that money cannot truly change lives."

In the cryptocurrency space, retirement and achieving 'financial freedom' are almost everyone's core goals — after all, this industry has become the best stage for going from nothing to wealth freedom, sometimes even creating generational wealth overnight.

However, behind this rapid wealth accumulation are some concerns that cannot be overlooked:

  • Long-term obsession with high-risk, gambling-like investment behavior, hard to escape from.

  • Caught in the cycle of the 'hedonic treadmill', constantly pursuing fleeting pleasures yet never satisfied.

  • Blindly following investment trends for the sake of excitement and dopamine release, lacking rational judgment.

  • Always comparing your achievements with others, leading to unnecessary mental stress.

When you see friends achieving financial freedom in their 20s, or they perform better than you while you're still struggling, that feeling of disparity can indeed be frustrating. But we often overlook a simple fact: work is just about hitting the keyboard and clicking the mouse day after day.

Financial freedom is indeed the ultimate goal, but instead of solely pursuing that elusive seven-figure or eight-figure net worth, why not shift your mindset to learn gratitude and cherish the achievements you've already made during the pursuit of your dreams.

For example:

  • If you can save $100,000 before the age of 30, that is already an incredible achievement! This figure is an unattainable goal for many.

  • Even if you couldn't retire by 30, achieving financial freedom between 35 and 40 is still something to be proud of. After all, most people need to work until 55 or 60 to save enough for retirement.

Instead of just chasing financial goals, why not treat this journey as a fun game? Set different milestones for yourself, and each time you achieve a goal, reward yourself with a special life experience. This not only makes the process of pursuing wealth more enjoyable but also allows you to savor more of life's beauty along the way to your ultimate goals.

As wealth accumulates, there are still many things to do to improve the quality of life for you and your family before reaching financial freedom.

Parents and family

  • Have you improved your parents' quality of life? For example, upgrading their car, house (buying or paying rent), or getting new electronic devices (laptops, phones, fitness wearables, TVs, etc.).

  • Provide daily comfort items, such as more comfortable shoes and clothing.

  • Take them on trips to places they have always dreamed of visiting.

  • Treat them to fine dining, such as Michelin restaurants or high-end Japanese cuisine (Omakase).

  • Cover their health expenses, including insurance, physical therapy, dental care, or emergency medical costs.

  • Allocate part of your assets as a retirement fund for your parents.

  • Do they need to hire housekeepers or personal trainers to help them?

  • Upgrade home appliances, such as Dyson vacuums, smart home devices, or new household appliances.

The health and sufficient savings of parents are the most important guarantees for them in old age. We should share the luck from the crypto industry with our family. They were once our support, and now it's our turn to be their pillar.

Spouse/Partner

  • Your partner may be in a traditional 9-to-5 job and may not understand the 'internet wealth magic' we are familiar with.

  • You can support them by covering some daily expenses, travel costs, or expenses during joint trips.

  • Help them improve their quality of life by purchasing electronic devices, high-end daily necessities, or even luxury bags (if they like them).

Your partner has likely accompanied you through those days of staring at the screen, always needing to 'follow the crowd' in investments (I can't be the only one like this, right?). Having a supportive partner is the most valuable wealth you can have. They celebrate every small achievement with you and provide you with a strong backing in this high-pressure industry. Such support is priceless.

Yourself

  • Have you always wanted the latest electronics or new products from your favorite brands? Reward yourself moderately with your income.

  • Pay off all debts (student loans, credit cards, bank loans).

  • Withdraw to buy a car and house — paying off loans or mortgages upfront means you're one step closer to financial freedom.

  • Improve sleep quality, such as purchasing cooling mattresses, memory pillows, or weighted blankets. After all, 6-8 hours a day are spent sleeping.

  • Enhance convenience in life, such as hiring drivers, chefs, or personal trainers and physical therapists.

  • Health care, such as going to a spa, sports massage, or participating in health or detox retreats.

  • Cultivate new hobbies or learn new skills to enrich your life.

In this industry, managing market volatility, investment portfolio drawdowns, while maintaining family and social relationships can be very exhausting. Treat yourself by improving your quality of life and investing in yourself. If that money doesn't change your life, then it isn't truly life-changing wealth.

Example: How to gradually improve quality of life through different milestones

Stage one (five-figure net worth)

  • Ensure all debts are paid off on time.

  • Prepare 6-12 months of emergency savings.

  • Provide monthly allowances for your parents.

  • Purchase insurance.

  • Upgrade your phone and laptop to enhance work efficiency.

Stage two (six-figure net worth)

  • Pay off all remaining debts or loans.

  • Reward your loved ones by taking them on trips and improving their quality of life.

  • Invest in yourself and upgrade your home life.

  • Continuously convert part of your earnings into fiat currency to reduce investment risks.

Stage three (seven-figure net worth)

  • Withdraw to purchase a house or car.

  • Diversify investments into other assets, such as real estate, watches, or stocks.

  • Establish a retirement fund for your parents.

Stage four (eight-figure net worth)

  • Establish your own fund or family office.

  • At this stage, consider hiring a personal chef, driver, or masseuse.

  • Help your parents achieve full retirement.

Summary

Don't wait until you achieve your final goal to start improving life or giving back to loved ones. In the pursuit of financial freedom, gradually improve your quality of life through different milestones. This way, you can bring positive changes to yourself and your family while also enjoying the journey.