The True Meaning of Financial Security: A Journey to Inner Stability
When we talk about financial security, we often think of concrete things: a hefty savings account, owning a home, or having a stable job. But what does security truly mean, and how can we create it for ourselves? To understand this, let's delve into the etymology of the word "security" and explore how we can achieve a genuine sense of financial stability.
THE ETYMOLOGY OF SECURITY
The word "security" traces its roots to the Latin word "securitas," which translates to “free from care.” This ancient origin reveals a profound insight: security is fundamentally about a state of being, rather than a tangible asset or amount of money.
Two definitions particularly resonate:
The state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety.
The state of being free from danger or threat.
Both definitions highlight that security is primarily a feeling or state of being, not merely a physical condition. This suggests that financial security, too, is less about the actual money we possess and more about the sense of safety and stability it provides.
DEFINING FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR YOURSELF
When it comes to finances, what creates security for one person might differ significantly from another. This is because financial security is a blend of tangible and intangible elements that each individual must define for themselves.
For instance, financial security might mean owning a home, having a specific amount of money in the bank, receiving a regular paycheck or maintaining an emergency fund or financial buffer.
There really isn’t a one-size-fits-all definition. To truly feel secure, we need to identify what specifically provides that sense of safety and stability for us personally.
Financial security is a deeply personal journey. By understanding that security is more about a state of being than a specific amount of money, we can take proactive steps to cultivate a lasting sense of safety and stability in our financial lives.
Remember, true financial security comes from within. It's about feeling free from fear and anxiety, knowing that you have the resources and strategies in place to navigate whatever life throws your way. Start today by defining what financial security means to you and taking the first step towards creating it.
REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS:
Do I view financial security as a specific outcome (like owning a house or car) or as a state of feeling safe and stable?
Do I currently feel financially secure?
What would create a sense of security for me?From a financial perspective, financial freedom is less about a specific $ amount. And more about a state of feeling free with money, i.e. being the one in control, rather than money being in control of them.
Want to explore defining your own version of security? Book in for a free chat!