Why is Financial Freedom Important?

Why is Financial Freedom Important?

Why is Financial Freedom Important? The Top 10 Reasons

Financial Freedom is the state of being free from financial worries, debts, and constraints. Achieving financial freedom allows us to live the life we want, without worrying about money and debt.  This gives us the power to take control of our lives, make our own decisions and live life on our own terms.

Tim Ferris why Financial Freedom is important Quote

First, Exactly What is Financial Freedom?

Financial freedom can mean something different to everyone and this is because everyone has different requirements. While somebody with modest expenses could easily achieve Financial Freedom with $1,000,000, another person with a lavish lifestyle might not be content until they have $10,000,000.

Either way, Financial Freedom is generally defined as having enough passive income to cover all your expenses without having to work for money.

This means having enough financial security to live life without financial worries and can take risks without fear of financial ruin. Financial Freedom can be achieved by reducing debt and expenses while investing in income producing assets like stocks, bonds and real estate.

With Financial Freedom, you have the ability to choose how you spend your time, without worrying about how to pay for it. It’s the ultimate goal for many people and is something that can be achieved with careful planning and hard work.  Whether you’re currently in debt, just starting to save your emergency fund or already in the final stages of financial independence, learning how to get to the next level is more important than ever. 

 

 

Here are the Top 10 Reasons Why Financial Freedom is Important

 

Freedom from Debt

Money arguments are the second leading cause of divorce (behind cheating) and this all stems from debt.

For most Americans, debit is a major concern that leads to financial stress and anxiety and the first step towards Financial Freedom is getting out of debt.

The worst part about debt is that you have to pay someone else interest for this debt which can turn into hundreds or even thousands of lost dollars every single year.  Once you pay off your debt you can start to build your emergency fund, stick this in a savings account and start EARNING interest instead of paying it!

 

Time Freedom

Financial Freedom essentially means that we are buying back our time. When we’re not financially dependent on our job, we can choose to work less or not at all. This allows us to spend more time with our family and friends, pursue hobbies, interests and travels.

It also allows us to take advantage of opportunities that someone with a full-time job can’t.  This can include learning a new skill, taking a class or even something as mundane as being able to schedule a dentist appointment whenever you want.

we can sell our time, but we can't buy it back financial freedom quote

Security and Peace of Mind

Financial freedom gives us security and peace of mind. When we no longer have to worry about how to pay bills, or how to support ourselves and our family, we naturally feel more secure. Our minds can stop racing about how we’re going to buy groceries or pay to fix our car and we can focus on doing more productive things with our time and energy.  This can lead to improved mental and physical health since we no longer have to deal with the stress and anxiety of financial worries.

 

Ability to Take Risks

Financial freedom gives us the ability to take risks and pursue our passions without fear of financial ruin.  If you’re living paycheck to paycheck you’re much less likely to try something risky and instead always choose the safe path.  But it is risk and taking a chance that leads to big rewards.

Whether it is starting a business, pursuing higher education or taking a gap year, financial freedom gives us the freedom to take chances and pursue our dreams.

 

Learning to Live with Less

Living below your means can have a profound effect on how you view the world.  When we’re no longer burdened by our material possessions we can live a less cluttered and more free life.

We also won’t be spending our money to get the latest gadget which will give us more money to save and invest.

Fight Club Financial Freedom Quote

Freedom to Pursue Your Passions

One of the biggest benefits of Financial Freedom is the ability to pursue your passions and interests without being limited by a need for a steady income. Whether you want to travel, start a business, write a book, or volunteer, financial freedom gives you the means to do it.

No longer do we have to work a 9-5 job just to make ends meet and instead we can spend our time doing what we love and what brings us fulfillment.

 

Reduced Stress and Increased Happiness

Money is a common source of stress and anxiety for many people. When you have financial freedom you will naturally have less to worry about.  This lets us focus on other things that bring us true happiness. This increased sense of well-being and reduced stress can improve your overall quality of life.

How many times have you gone through the McDonald’s Drive-Thru or had that extra drink because of a stressful day at work?

Increased Flexibility

Financial Freedom gives you the flexibility to make decisions about your life without being limited by your income. With Financial Freedom, you can choose to work part-time or take a break from work altogether to raise a family, start a business or just take some much need time off.

You may also be able to take advantage of new opportunities, investments or business adventures as they arise, without having to worry about the financial risks involved.

Improved Health

Stress and anxiety are not only bad for your mental health, they can also have a detrimental impact on your physical health. When you have Financial Freedom, you can reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with financial worry, leading to improved health and well-being.

This is because people are stressed our they tend to make unhealthy decisions like eating junk food, drinking too much and smoking as a way to relieve this stress.

Increased Ability to Help Others

There’s a lot of research out there showing how volunteering leads to increased happiness and Financial Freedom also gives you the ability to help others in a way that you may not have been able to otherwise.

Whether you want to volunteer, donate to a charity, help a friend in need, or leave a legacy for future generations, financial freedom gives you the means to do so.

To Sum Up on Why Financial Freedom Is Important

We live in a world where our freedom and options are largely controlled by our bank accounts.  With enough money saved up and invested, we can buy back our time and spend it doing the activities that are most important to us.

Financial Freedom also reduces stress and can improve our mental and physical health while at the same time giving us a chance to give back and help others in need.  This is crucial for living a well-balanced and happy life.

 

 

34 Most Inspirational Financial Freedom Quotes

34 Most Inspirational Financial Freedom Quotes

Most Inspirational Financial Freedom Quotes

Most Influential Financial Freedom Quotes

Financial freedom can be an elusive goal for many people and defining it can be even trickier.  This is because Financial Freedom has many different levels and means something different to everyone.

At its core, Financial Freedom is the ability to live a life without worrying about money or being limited by financial constraints.

With inflation on the rise and an uncertain economic climate on the horizon, Financial Freedom has never been more important.  In this article, we will explore famous quotes on Financial Freedom from some of the brightest minds and inspirational figures of our time.  We will also try to understand what the author meant and learn how to apply these quotes in our lives to achieve financial stability and independence.

Follow us on our journey towards Financial Freedom and take the first steps towards a better future!

 

Top 7 Financial Freedom Quotes

warren buffett financial freedom quote

“If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.” – Warren Buffett

What Warren is saying, is that if someone does not have a source of passive income, they will have to continue working for the rest of their life in order to make a living.

This emphasizes the importance of investing in assets that can generate income without the need for constant effort.  If you are only making money through an hourly wage without investing in assets, you will most certainly have to work for the rest of your life.

 

“People first, then money, then things.” – Suze Orman

This quote means that we should be focused on people and relationships more than on material possessions.  Without people who we love around us, no amount of money or things will make us happy.

It also reminds us that money gives us the option to buy back our time and gives us experiences with the people that we love, while material possessions simply reduce or options and clutter up our life.

In the end, true happiness and fulfillment come from strong personal connections and a sense of community, rather than from material wealth.

Chris Rock Financial Freedom Quote

“Wealth is not about having a lot of money, it’s about having a lot of options.” – Chris Rock

Who would have thought that Chris Rock would make the list of The 7 Best Financial Freedom Quotes!  But he is spot on here.

Wealth is different than money in the way that it gives us time and options to do what we want and pursue a life of meaning.

Plato Financial Freedom Quote

“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” – Plato

This quote by Plato suggests that true wealth and happiness come from being satisfied and content with what one has, rather than constantly striving for more material possessions and wealth.

Being happy and content with little allows a person to live a simple, stress-free life, which is a greater wealth than having an abundance of material possessions.

“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” – Zig Ziglar

Zig Ziglar is one of the greatest salesmen of our time and what he is saying is that the easiest way to make money is to solve someone else’s problem.

All great businesses do one simple thing, solve a problem. 

So it’s important to look outwards and if you help others get what they want, they will help you get what you want.

This quote encourages a philosophy of abundance and generosity, and suggests that success and personal fulfillment can be achieved through helping others rather than solely focusing on one’s own self-interest.

“The key to financial freedom is having more sources of income than expenses.” – J.L. Collins

J.L. Collins has a simple approach to building wealth by investing in low cost ETFs, specifically the SP500, and this quote brings home another elegant point.

If you are making more income than you spend, through passive investments, then you are financial free.

Tim Ferris Financial Freedom Quote

“When you have financial freedom, you have the ability to live life on your own terms.” – Tim Ferriss

Tim Ferriss is the Author of the Four Hour Workweek and helped pioneer “Lifestyle Design”, which simply put, means that you use money to design the life you want so that you can live it on your terms.

More Amazing Financial Freedom Quotes

Mark Twain lack of money is the root of all evil Quote

“The lack of money is the root of all evil.” – Mark Twain

Fight Club Financial Freedom Quote

“The things you own end up owning you. It’s only after you lose everything that you’re free to do anything.” – -Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk

“The secret to financial freedom and great wealth is simple: live below your means and invest the rest in assets that appreciate.” – Tony Robbins

 

“Financial freedom is not about having a high income. It’s about having control over your time.” – Grant Sabatier

 Benjamin Franklin Financial Freedom Quote

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin

 

“The rich don’t work for money.” – Robert Kiyosaki

 

“Live like no one else so later you can live and give like no one else.” – Dave Ramsey

 

“Finance is not merely about making money. It’s about achieving our deepest hopes and dreams.” – Robert Kiyosaki

 

“If you want to be rich, you need to develop your vision. You must be standing on the edge of time, looking into the future.” – T. Harv Eker

Robert Kiyosaki Financial Freedom Quote

“If you want to be financially free, you need to become a different person than you are today and let go of whatever has held you back in the past.” – Robert Kiyosaki

 

“Money is usually attracted, not pursued.” – Jim Rohn

 

“The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.” – Philip Fisher

 

“The more you learn about money, the less you need to worry about it.” – Dave Ramsey

 

“Wealth is not a matter of intelligence, it’s a matter of inspiration.” – T. Harv Eker

 

“Money is not the key to happiness, but financial freedom gives us the power to control our own lives.” – Suze Orman

 

“Financial literacy is an essential skill for achieving financial freedom and building wealth.” – Jean Chatzky

 

“Financial freedom is not a luxury. It is a necessity.” – Edmond Mbiaka

 

“The most important investment you can make is in yourself.” – Warren Buffett

 

“One of the keys to financial freedom and great wealth is a willingness to promote yourself and to sell your ideas assertively.” – Mark Victor Hansen

 

“In order to achieve financial freedom, you must be financially responsible.” – Eric T. Wagner

Tony Robbins Financial Freedom Quote

“If you want financial freedom, you need to learn how money works.” – Tony Robbins

 

“You don’t need to be rich to be financially free, but you do need to learn how to manage money effectively.” – Alex Becker

 

“The path to financial freedom lies in understanding the difference between an asset and a liability.” – Robert Kiyosaki

we can sell our time, but we can't buy it back financial freedom quote

“We can sell our time, but we can’t buy it back.” – Paulo Coelho

 

“Financial freedom is not a one-time achievement, it is a constant pursuit.” – David Bach

 

“Wealth is not a reward for past efforts, it is a reflection of future potential.” – David Allen

 

“It is not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” – Robert Kiyosaki

 

“The fastest way to achieve financial freedom is to start a business.” – John Paul DeJoria

 

“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” – Dave Ramsey

 

Reading inspirational Financial Freedom quotes is a great way to keep things in perspective and stay motivated on your path to Financial Independence and if you’re still not convinced that Financial Freedom is worth it, here are the Top 10 Reasons Why Financial Freedom is So Important.

Financial Freedom can mean different things to different people, but it generally involves being able to live comfortably while pursuing personal interests and having the security to face unexpected expenses or challenges without stress.

In essence, Financial Freedom is the ability to live life on one’s own terms without always having to worry about money.

 

19 Ways to Save MORE Money in 2023

19 Ways to Save MORE Money in 2023

19 Ways to Save More Money in 2023

 19 Ways to Save More Money in 2023

Saving money is the first step towards getting out of debt and achieving financial independence.

With the cost of living on the rise and the constant pressure to keep up with the latest trends, it can be easy to fall into the trap of overspending. However, saving money is not just about cutting back on unnecessary expenses. It’s about making a conscious effort to prioritize your finances and set yourself up for a brighter financial future and eventually financial freedom.

Having some cash saved up for a rainy day will help calm your mind by providing a safety net in case of unexpected expenses or emergencies.  Saving also has a snowball effect where the more you save, the easier it is to save.  This is because you’ll be in a position to start earning interest on your savings instead of paying interest on your debt.  Additionally, saving money allows you to set and achieve your financial goals, whether it’s buying a house, starting a business, taking a dream vacation or achieving FIRE.

 compound interest snow ball

The key is to start small and build on your current momentum.

It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and make impulsive purchases, but it’s important to remember that every dollar saved is one step closer to achieving your financial goals. One way to start saving money is by setting a budget. This will help you track your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Another way to save money is by setting a specific savings goal. It can be helpful to have a clear and tangible goal in mind, as this will help you stay motivated and focused.

 

Saving money is similar to losing weight where you essentially have two levers to pull. 

With losing weight, you can either eat less (consume less calories) or exercise more (burn more calories).

Saving money works the exact same way, you can either spend less or you can make more money.  The ideal situation is doing both at the same time, but for now focus on the easy wins and on what you can control.

walking out of costco, under budget

 Here are 19 ways that you can start saving more money in 2023!

 

1) Setting a budget: One of the best ways to start saving money is by setting a budget. A budget will help you track your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. You can either go to the old school cash in an envelope method or you can try using an app on your phone like Every Dollar.     

2) Creating a savings goal: Having a clear and tangible savings goal in mind will help you stay motivated and focused on saving money. For example, your goal can be to pay off your credit card, take a vacation or to create an emergency fund.

3) Cutting back on unnecessary expenses: Take a look at your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. This could be things like eating out less or canceling subscriptions you no longer need.  Make a list of all of your subscriptions and see how much you’re actually spending each month.

4) Shopping for deals and discounts: Waiting for something to be on sale is a great way to save money and can also help build your self-discipline.  You might even discover that by the time the sale rolls around, you don’t even need that new TV, Phone Case, etc. Always be on the lookout for deals and discounts when shopping. This can help you save money on everything from groceries to clothes.

5) Buying in bulk: When buying items you use regularly, consider buying in bulk to save money in the long run.  Just make sure these are things that you actually use on a regular basis like toilet paper or milk.  Not an extra 30 case of beer!

I got everything on my list, do you need anything

6) Making a grocery list and sticking to it: Having a grocery list and sticking to it can help you avoid impulse buys and save money on groceries.

7) Using coupons: Coupons can help you save money on a wide range of products, from food to household items.

8) Cutting back on entertainment expenses: Entertainment expenses can add up quickly, so consider cutting back on things like cable TV, streaming services, and going out to eat or drink

9) Reducing transportation costs: Transportation costs can take a big chunk out of your budget. Consider ways to reduce transportation costs, such as carpooling, biking, or taking public transportation.

10) Making your own coffee: Instead of buying coffee every day, make your own at home to save money.  This can also save you time so that you’re not making an extra stop to Starbucks before work.

11) Negotiating bills: Don’t be afraid to negotiate your bills, whether it be your cable bill or your cell phone bill.  A lot of times if you tell your cell phone company that you’re going to switch to another company they will give you a discount for staying.

12) Refinancing debt: Refinancing debt can help you save money on interest payments over time.  If you have a 20% credit card interest rate and you can get a loan for 5% to pay it off then you could potentially save hundreds of dollars a month.

13) Finding ways to earn more: Whether it be taking on a part-time job, starting a side hustle or finding ways to increase your income, having more money coming in will allow you to save more.

One of my favorite podcasts is The Side Hustle Show which has a ton of interviews with regular people who have started amazing side hustles.

the side hustle show

14) Saving on energy costs: Look for ways to save on energy costs, such as turning off lights when you leave a room, using energy-efficient appliances and turning down your thermostat.

15) Saving on insurance costs: Shop around and compare insurance rates to find the best deal.

16) Saving on taxes: Look for ways to save on taxes, such as taking advantage of tax deductions or contributing to a retirement account.

17) Saving on healthcare costs: Look for ways to save on healthcare costs, such as using preventive care and shopping around for the best rates.

18) Saving on travel costs: Look for ways to save on travel costs, such as booking travel in advance and taking advantage of discounts.

19) Automating savings: Automating your savings by setting up automatic transfers to a savings account can help you save money without thinking about it.

saving money is easy and fun

 

If you can implement a few of these methods then you’ll be off to a great start!

Saving money is an essential step in achieving financial stability and security. It provides a safety net for unexpected expenses, allows you to set and achieve financial goals, and gives you the freedom to make choices with your money. By setting a budget, creating a savings goal, cutting back on unnecessary expenses and shopping for deals and discounts, you can start saving money today. Additionally, buying in bulk, making a grocery list, using coupons, cutting back on entertainment expenses, reducing transportation costs, making your own coffee, negotiating bills, refinancing debt, finding ways to earn more, saving on energy costs, saving on insurance costs, saving on taxes, saving on healthcare costs, saving on travel costs, and automating savings are all great ways to save more money.

It’s important to remember that saving money is not about sacrifice, but about making smart choices with your finances. It’s about finding balance and taking control of your financial future. With a little bit of planning, budgeting, and a goal in mind, you can work towards a better financial future. Start by taking one step at a time and keep your focus on your goals, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save. Remember that small changes can make a big difference when it comes to saving money and achieving your financial goals.

I Bond Basics | How and Why to Buy Them

I Bond Basics | How and Why to Buy Them

I Bond Basics How Why to Buy

If you’re looking for a secure and reliable investment option, I Bonds might be a great choice for you. These bonds, which are issued by the U.S. government, offer a safe and stable way to grow your money over time.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of I Bonds and why they might be a good option for your investment portfolio. We’ll cover everything from what I Bonds are, how they work, their features and benefits, and how you can invest in them.

 

What Are I Bonds?

I Bonds are a type of savings bond issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. They are designed to be a safe and low-risk investment option that offers competitive returns. Unlike traditional bonds, which pay a fixed rate of interest, I Bonds offer a variable interest rate that is adjusted every six months to keep up with inflation.

 

How Do I Bonds work?

I Bonds are purchased at face value, which means you pay the full price for the bond when you buy it. The bonds earn interest over time, which is paid out when you redeem the bond. The interest on I Bonds is made up of two components: a fixed rate that stays the same for the life of the bond, and a variable rate that is adjusted twice a year based on inflation.

One of the unique features of I Bonds is that they are not subject to state or local taxes. However, they are still subject to federal taxes. If you use I Bonds to pay for qualified education expenses, you may be able to exclude the interest from your federal taxes.

 

What Are the Benefits of Investing in I Bonds?

One of the primary benefits of investing in I Bonds is their safety and stability. Because they are issued by the U.S. government, I Bonds are considered to be one of the safest investments available. Additionally, I Bonds offer competitive returns that are adjusted every six months to keep up with inflation.

Another benefit of investing in I Bonds is their tax advantages. As we mentioned earlier, I Bonds are exempt from state and local taxes. Additionally, if you use I Bonds to pay for qualified education expenses, you may be able to exclude the interest from your federal taxes.

Finally, I Bonds offer flexibility when it comes to redemption. Unlike other types of bonds, which may require you to hold onto them for a certain period of time, I Bonds can be redeemed after just one year. However, if you redeem your I Bonds before they are five years old, you will lose the last three months of interest.

 

How to Buy I Bonds?

Buying I Bonds is a straightforward process. You can purchase I Bonds directly from the U.S. Department of the Treasury through the TreasuryDirect website. The minimum investment for I Bonds is $25, and the maximum annual purchase limit is $10,000.

When you purchase I Bonds, you’ll need to provide some basic information, including your name, address, and Social Security number. You can purchase I Bonds using a checking or savings account, or by using your tax refund.

 

How to Calculate New I Bond Rates

Download the Spreadsheet in the video here:

I Bonds rates change every 6 months and the new rate for I bonds issued from November 2022 through April 2023 is 6.89%.

I Bonds rates are calculated by adding the fixed rate to the inflation rate.

The fixed rate is .4% and the inflation rate is 6.49%, this equals the composite rate of 6.89%.

The next rate will be set next May 2023 and will be based on inflation rates.  So if inflation goes down, then the next rate will decrease as well.

So is it still worth it to buy I Bonds?

You will get the new interest rate for 6 months after you purchase the bonds, it won’t change in the middle of your year just because the rates change so you can still lock in a high rate.

Also, remember that you have to hold them for at least 12 months and if you sell before 5 years then you forfeit the last 3 months of interest.

So let’s look this example: 

$10,000 worth of I bonds bought on Oct 28th at 9.62%

1st 6 months – $481.00 interest earned

– $10,000 x 9.62/2 = $10,481

2nd 6 months – $361.00 interest earned

– $10,481 x 6.89%/2 = $10,842.

The total for the year will be $842 in interest or 8.42%

So we just need to compare these rates to what we can get elsewhere.  Most high interest savings accounts right now are about 2.72%, CDs are around 3-4% and a 52 week T-bill is 4.5%.

We can see that even if the new I bond rate went down to 3%, you’re still earning decent interest even if you have to sell after 12 months and forfeit 3 months of interest.

It’s also important to remember the purpose of these bonds, and that is that these are an inflation hedge.  So if inflation does go up, your rate will also increase which might make you feel a little better next time you’re at the pump or grocery store.

 

Buying I Bonds with an LLC or Business Entity

It is possible to purchase I Bonds with an LLC or other business entity. However, the process for doing so is slightly different than purchasing I Bonds as an individual.

First, you will need to set up a TreasuryDirect account for your business. This will require providing your business’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and other identifying information.

Once you have set up your TreasuryDirect account, you can purchase I Bonds through the account using your business’s checking or savings account. The process for purchasing I Bonds with an LLC or other business entity is essentially the same as for individuals, but you will need to use your business’s information instead.

Additionally, buying I bonds with an LLC or business entity can have some tax advantages. If the LLC or business entity is taxed as a partnership or an S corporation, the interest earned on the I bonds can flow through to the individual owners and be reported on their individual tax returns, potentially reducing the overall tax burden. However, it’s important to consult with a tax professional to understand the specific tax implications for your particular situation.

It’s also worth noting that while I bonds are a safe and low-risk investment option, they may not be the best choice for all investors. The interest rates on I bonds are adjusted every six months based on inflation rates, which can be unpredictable. If inflation rates remain low, the returns on I bonds may not keep pace with other investment options such as stocks or real estate. Additionally, I bonds are designed to be held for at least one year and there are penalties for redeeming them before five years.

In conclusion, I bonds can be a good option for investors who are looking for a safe and low-risk investment that can help protect against inflation. They are also a flexible investment option that can be purchased online or through a financial institution, and can even be purchased as a gift for someone else. It’s important to understand the specific features and limitations of I bonds, as well as the potential tax implications for your particular situation, before investing. As with any investment, it’s always a good idea to consult with a financial professional to determine if I bonds are the right choice for your portfolio.

 

EASY WordPress and Cloudways BEGINNER Tutorial

EASY WordPress and Cloudways BEGINNER Tutorial

Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links so I will earn a small commission if you use their services. These are all services that I currently use and recommend.

In this tutorial I’m going to show you how to build a WordPress website from start to finish.

A website generally consists of these four things:

Domain Name:
https://namecheap.pxf.io/c/2726455/386170/5618

Cloudways Hosting:

https://www.cloudways.com/en/?id=728189https://www.cloudways.com/en/?id=728189

Content Management System (WordPress, Shopify, Etc.)

Design – We will use the WordPress Theme Hestia in this Tutorial

The domain name is also known as a URL and usually looks something like this, www.yourdomainname.com

Once you have your domain, you need to “host” it on a server so that people around the world can access it.

Next, we will install WordPress, and finally we will design our theme (template) on WordPress.

Domain Name:
So the first step is going to be to pick a domain name and if this is your first website, I wouldn’t stress out about it too much. Domain names are cheap (only $10/year) and you can think of this as a learning experience.
Just write down a couple of ideas and combinations and then you can search to see if the names are available here:

https://namecheap.pxf.io/c/2726455/386170/5618

The name that I’m going to use is www.MinimalistMike.com

Website Hosting:
https://www.cloudways.com/en/?id=728189

Now that we have our domain name, we need to have it “hosted” on a server somewhere. There are a lot of different options but I have used a lot of them, GoDaddy, HostGator, BlueHost, etc. and they’re all extremely slow compared to Cloudways.

Cloudways is FAST, has 1 click WordPress install, free backups, a free SSL certificate and is pay as you go.

Sign up for Cloudways – Free 3 day trial – no credit card
https://www.cloudways.com/en/?id=728189

To get started with Cloudways, click Start Free Now.

The first step will be to add your server. You can start with Digital Ocean Servers and 1gb. If you need to add more you can always do that later.

This is the cheapest plan and is only about $10.00/month.

Adding a server takes about 2 minutes.

Next, we’re going to add our Application which is just another name for a website.

Do the basic WordPress install for now, It’s easy to add WC later and I’ll make a video on how to turn your WordPress site into an ecommerce site later so be sure to subscribe.

Now we will “Point” our domain name from Namecheap to our server on Cloudways.

To do this, first go to “Access Details” in Cloudways – copy your IP Address:
147……….

Go back Namecheap – Click on Advanced DNS

Add three “A Records” and put in your new IP address:

@ – used to point to a root domain yourdomainname.com to the IP address:

A Record | @ | 147……….
www – is selected when it is needed to point www.yourdomainname.com
to the IP address:

A Record | www | 147……….- a wildcard record that matches requests for non-existent subdomains:
A Record | * | 147……….

This usually only takes a few minutes but it can take up to 24 hours. Use whatsmydns to see the progress:

https://www.whatsmydns.net/

Now go back to Cloudways and click on “Domain Management” – add your domain name (www.yourdomainname.com). Set this as your primary domain.

Now we will install our FREE SSL Certificate.
Put in your domain name – www.yourdomainname.com
Make sure that auto-renew is on.

Now we will test our site. Type your domain name into your web browser. It should look like a basic WordPress theme. If it isn’t working yet, wait a few hours and check back later once all the servers have been updated.

Log into WordPress using the access details information.
www.yourdomainname.com/WP-admin/

Now we’re going to pick our theme. There are a lot of free themes to get you started.

Follow the details in the video for designing the WordPress Theme Hestia.

I will upload videos on how to add E-Commerce (Woocommerce) functionality to this site as well as do some more advanced theme designs so be sure to subscribe for that information.

Thanks for watching!