Work toward your own financial Independence Day

FALLBROOK – Once again, it's time for fireworks, picnics and parades as the nation celebrates Independence Day. Collectively, as people enjoy many liberties, but some freedoms can be elusive – and financial freedom is one of them. What actions can someone take to help themselves to eventually declare their own financial independence?

For starters, they'll want to determine what financial independence means to them. Is it the liberty to meet all their cash flow needs? The freedom to retire comfortably, at the age they choose? The ability to set up the kind of legacy they'd like to leave? If any...