7 Powerful Key Investments for Time and Financial Freedom

Ever feel like you're stuck on a treadmill—working hard, earning well, but never quite getting ahead? Building time and financial freedom can feel like an impossible dream, but investing in the right assets can make a big difference.

For years, I thought the answer was simple: work harder, earn more, and save what's left. But here's the truth—real freedom isn't just about money in the bank. It's about having the time, energy, and resources to live on your terms.

Like you, I've been in that place. After years of demanding roles and juggling responsibilities, I came to a realization. Financial freedom isn't just about numbers—it's about investing in every part of life that matters: your health, relationships, skills, and money.

By focusing on these areas, I've started building a life in which time and money work for me—not the other way around. You can do the same.

In this blog, I'll discuss the key financial and non-financial investments that are helping me design a life of freedom, balance, and purpose.

1. Health and Fitness: The Foundation of Freedom

Your health is not just an asset, it's the foundation of your freedom. Without it, even the best-laid plans for time and financial freedom can crumble. It's easy to think you can push through fatigue or ignore that nagging back pain until 'things slow down.' But the truth is, if you don't prioritize your health now, it could derail everything else later.

I get it—finding time for fitness or mental well-being in a busy schedule feels like a luxury. But I've come to see it differently. When I make time for a run, a gym session, or even just a short mindfulness practice, I'm not taking time away from work or family; I'm investing in having the energy and focus to show up better in all areas of my life.

This isn't about perfection. You don't need to train for a marathon or spend hours meditating on a mountaintop. Small, consistent steps—like a brisk daily walk, better nutrition, or even committing to getting more sleep—can have a huge impact over time. By investing in your health now, you're not just adding years to your life but making those years more vibrant and fulfilling. That's a return on investment worth chasing.

2. Family and Friends: The Core of Happiness

If you're working hard for a better life, it's worth asking: who are you doing it all for? For most of us, the answer is family and close friends—the people we love most. But here's the rub: if we're too busy to spend time with them, we risk missing out on what truly matters.

Investing in relationships isn't just about grand gestures or big holidays (although those can be nice!). It's about making the small, everyday moments count—being present at dinner, making time for a quick coffee catch-up, or planning a simple day out with loved ones. These are the things that create the memories and bonds that sustain us.

Strong relationships also give us perspective and are an asset in themselves. When things get tough or stressful, your family and friends are the ones who remind you why you're on this journey in the first place. Investing time and energy in these connections builds a foundation of happiness and support that will carry you through life's ups and downs.

And let's face it—what's the point of achieving time and financial freedom if you don't have people to share it with? The moments you spend with loved ones today will be the ones you cherish most when you look back.

3. Network: Who You Know Shapes Your Path

They say your network is your net worth, and I've found that to be true in more ways than one. The people you surround yourself with can inspire, teach, and help you open doors to opportunities are an asset.

Building a strong network doesn't happen overnight, but it doesn't have to feel like "networking" either. It's about cultivating genuine relationships, whether that's through attending events, reaching out to old colleagues, or simply engaging with communities online or locally.

A great network can save you time, money, and energy. For instance, when starting my business, advice from people who had walked the same path helped me avoid costly mistakes. It also gave me the confidence to move forward, knowing I had people I could turn to for guidance.

When you invest in your network, you gather contacts and create a safety net of knowledge and support. These people will cheer you on, challenge you, and even help you pivot if your plans take an unexpected turn. That's been invaluable for me, and it can be for you too.

4. Career: Continuously Building Skills and Value

For most of us, our career is where financial freedom starts. It's the thing that funds your lifestyle, your investments, and your plans for the future. But here's the thing: if you spend most of your waking hours working, shouldn't it serve you as much as you serve it? Building skills and value while getting paid for it is also an asset.

Investing in your career doesn't just mean working harder but working smarter. That could be upskilling through courses or certifications. It could be seeking a promotion or negotiating a role that aligns better with your goals. Or it's even exploring a pivot into something you're more passionate about.

Your career is a powerful tool, but it works best when aligned with your bigger picture. This has meant finding ways to transition from traditional roles into ventures that offer more autonomy and fulfilment. And even if you still need to get there, taking small steps to build skills or position yourself for new opportunities will pay off in the long run.

Ultimately, your career should be more than a paycheck—it should be a stepping stone to the life you want. When approached with this mindset, it becomes a key part of your freedom plan.

5. Traditional Investment Portfolio: Money Working for Me

I used to think financial freedom was all about how much you earned. Now I know it's more about how hard your money works. Investing in assets like stocks, ISAs, and pensions isn't glamorous, but it's one of the smartest ways to build wealth over time.

The beauty of investments is that they grow while you sleep. By putting your money into the right vehicles and letting compound interest do its magic, you're creating a passive income stream that can one day replace or supplement your job.

It can feel overwhelming if you're new to investing, but starting small is better than not starting at all. You can make your contributions, diversify your portfolio, and stay consistent. You don't have to be an expert to build a solid financial foundation—you have to take the first step.

Every pound you invest today brings you closer to a life where work is optional. That's the kind of freedom worth planning for.

6. My Startup Business: Building Something That Matters

Starting your own business as an asset is one of the most rewarding investments you can make—financially and personally. It's more than just earning money; it's been about creating something meaningful that aligns with my values.

Of course, running a business isn't easy. It requires time, energy, and sometimes a financial leap of faith. But the potential rewards—freedom, autonomy, and the chance to make a difference—make it worth it.

When you build something your own, you're no longer working to fulfil someone else's vision. You're creating a legacy that reflects who you are and what you care about. That's a powerful motivator and one of the reasons I encourage others to explore entrepreneurship as part of their freedom journey.

7. Property: The Path to Financial Independence

Property assets are one of the most reliable ways to build wealth and create passive income. It's not a quick win, but the right strategy can become a cornerstone of your financial freedom plan.

Property investment has allowed me to diversify my income and create stability. Whether buy-to-let properties or larger developments, real estate offers opportunities for steady returns and long-term growth.

Suppose you're worried about the upfront costs. In that case, there are ways to start small—through savings, joint ventures, or creative financing strategies. The key is to take that first step and learn as you go.

Property is beautiful because it generates income and appreciates over time. It's a tangible asset that can help you achieve financial independence while building something solid for the future.

When I think about freedom, property plays a big part in my vision—and it can in yours, too.

Conclusion

Time and financial freedom don't happen accidentally—they result from intentional investments in every area of your life. From your health and relationships to your career and financial portfolio, each piece creates the balance, security, and joy you're working hard to achieve.

The beauty of this journey is that it's not just about the destination; it's about how you build a meaningful life along the way. By focusing on these investments—whether carving out time for your family, developing your skills, or starting a side business—you're not just securing your future but enriching your present.

So, where will you start? What's one area you could invest in today to move closer to the life you truly want? Whether it's your first step into property, a commitment to prioritising health, or exploring a startup idea, the key is to take action.

Let's connect if this resonates with you and you're ready to start building your path to time and financial freedom. Leave a comment or share your thoughts on where you'd like to invest in yourself or reach out to explore how we can work together to make your vision a reality. Your journey starts here—what will you invest in today?

For more topics from our weekday blog on building a life of time and financial freedom, sign up for free at:

Good luck on your journey!

Nothing on our website, blog, socials or newsletter is designed to provide financial advice and is for educational purposes only. For individual financial advice on your circumstance, please seek the advice of an FCA-approved advisor.