Financial Focus: Declare your financial freedom

FALLBROOK – Independence Day is almost here. And as we make progress in moving past the COVID-19 pandemic, more of us will be able to enjoy Fourth of July activities. However you observe the holiday, it's important to recognize all the liberties we enjoy in this country. But you may still need to work at one particular type of freedom – and that's financial freedom. How can you achieve it?

There's no one instant solution. But you can work toward financial independence by addressing these areas:

• Retirement savings – Approximately 45% of Americans think the ideal retirement involves "enjoying...