It took me a long time to learn that just because I can point someone to all the right books to read, that doesn’t mean they are going to read them. We all learn differently.

However, I still think it makes sense to share amazing resources as I find them. And today that resource is a video I found on The Retirement Nerds YouTube Channel. Regular guest, Zacc Call, breaks down the seven projects people should do to find financial freedom. They don’t talk about it a ton in the video, but he also wrote a book about the subject, 7 Prosperity Projects: Seven projects to prioritize your most urgent money decisions.

The video is an hour and 43 minutes long. It’s a good primer for all the steps you need to take. Super important to note: These projects aren’t going to be things you accomplish over night. 

The whole thing is worth a watch, but I’ll break down the steps and projects very quickly here:

• Get on the train - Find a way to get started. Yesterday was better than today. Today is better than tomorrow.
• Project 1: Plug the holes - You need stable income, emergency savings, and zero high interest debt.
• Project 2: Get Free Money - Make sure you are getting the maximum company match from your employer.
• Project 3: Automate Retirement Savings - Determine how much you need to save for the future, and automate that savings mechanism.
• Project 4: Decide Who’s In Charge - Make plans for your estate. Even if you don’t feel rich, it’s important to set up a plan for when you’re not around. Your estate could end up in probate for long periods of time even if you have a will. You may need to hire a professional to help you establish a trust.
• Project 5: Reduce Unwanted Debt - This is up to you to determine, but you should have eliminated high interest debt back in Project 1. Do you want to pay off the mortgage on your home at a 3% interest rate, or do you want to use that money to invest and hope for a higher return on your money?
• Project 6: Build Non-Retirement Wealth - Beyond saving for your retirement, understand how to make investments elsewhere.
• Project 7: Swing For The Fences - This step is optional, but if you have done everything else well and have excess funds, this is where you can do what you want. Make some riskier investments. Give generously to charity.  

Zacc goes into much greater detail on each of these projects in the video, and I would imagine the book is even more thorough. Erik mentions towards the end that people could really stop after Project 5 if they choose, although Zacc was quick to mention he would prefer if people do a little big of Project 6 just to be safe.

If you are super DIY and don’t need someone to help you get started, this is a great video to watch. But if you need some coaching or other professional to help get you started, you shouldn't feel about about that either.

I haven’t done a deep dive on The Retirement Nerds yet, but I’ve enjoyed the few videos I’ve seen so far. Also, I can’t personally vouch for the book yet, but it costs you nothing to request it from your local library or to watch the video first and decide if you want to try to book later.

Disclosure: I'm in no way affiliated with the creators of this video. I'm sharing this because I feel it is a great resource. Please also read the creators' disclosure on their YouTube page.