There are many paths to financial independence. Here is mine...

At 20, after reading "Awaken the Giant" by Anthony Robbins, I made a mind map with my different goals. Not having to work for a living (my definition of financial independence) was one of them.

Despite being a junior, I was not limited in my salary. I soon started earning a six-figure annual salary. And it turns out that sales was a great learning experience. It has served me well my entire life.

An excellent school for learning very quickly, making giant leaps in your professional career and salary.

I did all the rookie mistakes, but I started young. Compound interest did the rest.

• First mistake: I invested alone by choosing stocks and trying to time the market.
• I went through funds. They are costly in fees, and few of them perform every year.
• I have invested for too long in safe products. Low risk, low return
• Finally, I discovered ETFs (market indexing). I started with a sophisticated strategy. I simplified, simplified, simplified...to finally arrive at one ETF covering the world. It works great for me, and I spend less than 60 minutes monthly on my all finances.

If I had to start again today with my knowledge. I would start with an ETF covering the world and a broker with low fees. And I would invest every month, no matter what the market weather.