Everyone dreams of financial freedom—but the journey there can feel like an uphill battle. For Tevan Asaturi, the road wasn’t always smooth, but his dedication and practical approach turned dreams into reality. Let’s dive into Tevan Asaturi’s journey from financial struggles to success, and see how his methods can inspire your own path.

Starting Point: Facing Financial Reality

Tevan didn’t start with a perfect financial plan. Like many, he had debts, bills, and felt like he was running in circles. His turning point? Realizing he needed a clear picture of his finances. That meant looking at every penny spent and being brutally honest about his habits.

Tevan’s First Steps:

• He listed every debt, no matter how small.
• He looked at his income, expenses, and tracked it all.
• He identified areas where he was overspending and cut back.

1. Creating a Realistic Budget

For Tevan, budgeting wasn’t about giving up every little joy. It was about balance. He created a realistic budget that allowed him to enjoy life, but also made room for saving and paying off debt.

How Tevan Approached Budgeting:

• He used a simple “50/30/20” rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, 20% for goals.
• He adjusted each month based on his expenses.
• He avoided strict limits, allowing himself a few “fun” spends.

2. Setting Clear, Achievable Goals

Having goals changed everything for Tevan. He wasn’t just working or saving blindly—he was saving for a purpose. Setting specific, achievable goals gave him a sense of direction and motivation to keep going.

Goal-Setting Tips from Tevan:

• Break down big goals into smaller milestones.
• Celebrate each win, even if it’s small.
• Regularly review and adjust goals as life changes.

3. Tackling Debt Head-On

Debt was one of Taiwan’s biggest obstacles. Instead of ignoring it, he faced it head-on. By focusing on paying off high-interest debts first, he saved on interest and freed up money for other goals.

How Tevan Paid Off Debt:

• He used a “debt snowball” approach, tackling the smallest debts first.
• He increased payments with any extra income or savings.
• He tracked each payment, celebrating each debt he cleared.

4. Building a “No Touch” Emergency Fund

An emergency fund was a game-changer. For Tevan, it was about peace of mind. He didn’t want to rely on credit cards if life threw a curveball, so he built a fund that stayed untouched, no matter what.

Building an Emergency Fund:

• Start with a goal of $500 to $1,000 to build momentum.
• Contribute a small amount every payday, even if it’s just $10.
• Keep it in a separate account to avoid dipping into it.

5. Growing Income with a Side Hustle

Tevan knew that increasing income would speed up his progress, so he explored side hustles. This extra money wasn’t for splurging—it was his fast-track fund for debt and savings.

Popular Side Hustles Tevan Explored:

• Freelance writing and consulting in his area of expertise.
• Offering local services, like tutoring or lawn care.
• Turning hobbies, like photography, into paid gigs.

6. Investing Smartly, Step by Step

Investing seemed intimidating at first, but Tevan approached it with small, manageable steps. Instead of trying to “time the market,” he focused on consistent, long-term investments that could grow over time.

Tevan’s Investing Tips:

• Start with a small amount in a low-risk fund.
• Avoid the urge to “get rich quick” with risky stocks.
• Reinvest any earnings, letting the power of compounding work for him.

7. Tracking Progress and Adjusting as Needed

Staying on top of his progress was crucial. Tevan regularly reviewed his finances and adjusted as needed. This kept him motivated and helped him catch any bad habits creeping back in.

Ways to Track Progress:

• Review monthly expenses and savings to stay on track.
• Adjust goals and budgets every six months based on current needs.
• Celebrate big milestones, like paying off a major debt or hitting a savings goal.

8. Staying Disciplined and Focused on the End Goal

Financial freedom isn’t achieved overnight. For Tevan, it took discipline and a clear vision of his end goal. Even on tough days, he stayed committed, reminding himself of why he started in the first place.

Keeping a Strong Money Mindset:

• Reflect on personal reasons for financial freedom to stay motivated.
• Set reminders of goals around the house or on a phone screen.
• Remind yourself that progress, even slow progress, adds up.

Conclusion: 

Tevan Asaturi’s story shows that financial freedom is possible, even if the journey isn’t easy. With budgeting, clear goals, and a commitment to stay on track, you can create a path to freedom too. It won’t happen overnight, but with each step, you’ll get closer to a life without financial stress.