Why Your Salary Isn’t the Problem: The Secret to Financial Freedom
You know what I’ve realized? Money is an interesting thing to learn. The difference between a broke photographer and a wealthy or comfortable one often comes down to financial “execution.” It’s not just about what you know — it’s about what you do with that knowledge.
You can be financially educated but do nothing with that information. I’m not making thousands of dollars monthly, but I make it a point to save something whenever I land a gig. I also work as a teacher, and I often hear my colleagues complain about their salaries, saying they can’t save or invest any money because it’s just not enough.
My response to them is always the same: Cultivating the habit of saving is more important than the amount you save. If you can’t cultivate the habit of saving on the “peanuts” you’re being paid today, you won’t save or invest when you earn more.
Understanding money and taking action is what creates a secure financial future. You don’t need to save half of your income. If 10% feels too ambitious, start with 5%. If that still feels like too much, try 2%. The key is to put something away every time you earn.
For photographers, nobody is going to save money for you if you don’t. And remember, you don’t have to rely on photography alone for income. Learn other skills, go back to school, get another job — do whatever it takes to earn more.
The secret to financial freedom isn’t just about earning more; it’s about doing more with what you earn. Start now, no matter how small, and watch how these habits build your future.
See you in the next post.
