Check it. Tony Tran. Financial independence is the moment when your investments start paying more than your expenses. Free from having to worry about paying rent on time. There are no slick tactics or sexy ways to go about. But the feeling of freedom when you reach financial independence will make it all worth it. This number is based on a study from Trinity University. Finding out your safe withdrawal rate is the first step to learning how to become financially independent. This one is our favorite. Remember our example using the average salary and expenses? Bonus: Struggling to take control of your expenses?