On my drive home from a fourth of July weekend spent with friends in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, I began to unwind many of the conversations that were bandied about. My memory was a bit foggy given all the beers and grilled meats but I was able to clearly recollect one of our late night talks.
The topic was freedom and what it meant to us. As each of us has a true love for our country, freedom and liberty were bound to be brought up at some point on the 250th year of our nations independence. In this instance, my friend and I both landed on the same definition of freedom: the ability to do what you want, when you want, with no outside interference.
It could have been the beer or perhaps our libertarian sensibilities talking, but it made sense at the time. Reflecting further on my drive home, it began to make more and more sense. The path to making this happen was also quite clear: avoid debt like the plague, enjoy the little things in life and be patient, both with yourself and others.
I bought a charcoal grill at Wal Mart for $24 over the weekend. There was a Blackstone grill that we could’ve used, but I’m a bit of a purest when it comes to hamburgers and charcoal. The grill came pre-assembled in all its cheaply made glory. We bought a bag of instant light charcoal for an additional $6 and voila, a backyard BBQ was born.
They may not have been the best hamburgers I’ve ever made but they were pretty darn good considering the equipment. I was able to fit nine of them on the grate to start. As they cooked and shrunk down to size, there was enough room for the chicken and hot dogs to join the party. All in all, the meat cost twice as much as the grill itself. No matter, the little charcoal beauty cooked up a feast to remember, with everyone satisfied and happy.
Could a multi thousand dollar Weber or Traeger have cooked the burgers quicker and better? Probably, but where’s the fun in that? We made lasting memories, didn’t overspend for something we may use only once and my friend is left with a grill he can either use or throw in the trash depending on how long it lasts. Everyone was a winner.
Freedom is having money in the bank to spontaneously purchase a rickety grill, outdoor games and delicious food to share with friends and family. As long as you’re not putting yourself at risk of paying for your mortgage/rent, your car or some other unforeseen expense, there’s nothing more liberating than knowing you can treat yourself and others when given the chance.
Bear in mind, credit doesn’t come into play here, this applies to cash purchases only.
If you’ve yet to experience this kind of financial freedom, be patient, be intentional and you will. Money doesn’t have to be this awful specter hanging over your head each week, month or year. The more you’re able to save and tell your money where to go, the more you’ll become addicted to the feeling of comfort and freedom to do what you want, when you want.
It sounds ridiculous but I may have to buy one of those $24 grills for myself. If for no other reason than to remember a long weekend spent with great friends talking about freedom.
Freedom we have enjoyed for 250 years and counting.
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
