If you’ve ever dreamed of quitting your job, traveling more, or simply waking up without financial stress, you’ve probably asked yourself a version of this question: “How much money do I need to feel financially free?” It’s one of the most powerful yet personal questions in finance—and the answer is different for everyone.
Unlike vague goals like “getting rich” or “saving more,” defining your numero della libertà finanziaria gives you a concrete target. It’s the amount of money you need—whether as savings, investments, or passive income—to live your desired lifestyle without relying on a paycheck. And while it may seem like a fantasy for some, knowing your number is the first step to turning financial freedom into a real possibility.
Let’s break down how to calculate it, what it means in practice, and how your own number might be closer than you think.
Perché avete bisogno di un numero per la libertà finanziaria
Many people go through life saving without a destination. They contribute to their pension, stash away money each month, and hope that one day it’ll be “enough.” But sufficiente per ciò che?
Your financial freedom number acts like a GPS. It tells you how far you are from your ideal lifestyle and helps you adjust your strategy accordingly—whether that means saving more, investing differently, or cutting back on unnecessary spending.
And the beauty of it is that it’s not about becoming a millionaire unless that’s what voi need. For some, financial freedom might mean having € 300,000 invested to generate € 1,000/month in supplemental income. For others, it could mean € 1 million and a paid-off home. The key is personalization.
Come calcolare il numero
Uno dei modi più semplici per stimare il proprio numero di libertà finanziaria è quello di utilizzare il metodo della Regola 25x, based on the famous “4% rule” from the Trinity Study. The logic is this: if you withdraw 4% of your portfolio per year, your money should last at least 30 years.
Here’s how it works:
- Stimare il vostro spese annuali.
- Moltiplicate questa cifra per 25.
Let’s say you need € 24,000 per year to live comfortably. Multiply that by 25, and you get a financial freedom number of € 600,000. That means if you had € 600,000 invested in a diversified portfolio, you could (in theory) live off the returns.
Want to cover € 40,000 a year? Your number jumps to € 1 million.
Si tratta ovviamente di una stima approssimativa. Presuppone mercati stabili, tassi di prelievo costanti e nessuna spesa imprevista di rilievo. Ma fornisce un obiettivo tangibile.
Adeguamento all'inflazione, allo stile di vita e alle tasse
La regola del 4% si basa sulle medie storiche, ma viviamo in un mondo dinamico. L'inflazione, i tassi d'interesse e le tasse hanno tutti un impatto sulla portata del vostro denaro.
Inflation, in particular, is a silent eroder of purchasing power. A € 2,000 monthly lifestyle today could require over € 3,000 a month in 20 years if inflation averages 2.5% per year. That’s why your financial freedom number isn’t static—it needs to evolve with time and your lifestyle choices.
Also, factor in taxes. Depending on where you live and how your investments are structured, you might owe capital gains or dividend taxes, which reduce your effective withdrawal rate. In Italy, for example, capital gains are taxed at 26%, unless you’re investing in government bonds or certain tax-advantaged funds.
Rendere pratico il viaggio
Let’s say your number is € 750,000. That might sound huge, especially if you’re just starting out. But if you break it down, it becomes more manageable.
Assuming a 7% annual return and € 500 monthly contributions, you could reach that figure in about 30 years. Increase your contribution to €800/month, and you get there closer to 25 years. Start earlier, cut expenses, or raise your income, and the path accelerates.
È anche possibile combinare le strategie: libertà finanziaria parziale attraverso un reddito secondario, scelte di costo della vita più basso (geo-arbitraggio) o la creazione di attività come azioni che pagano dividendi, proprietà in affitto o attività online che generano reddito passivo.
Secondo un rapporto 2023 di BlackRock, quasi 64% dei millennial e degli investitori della Gen Z in Europa definiscono ora i loro obiettivi finanziari in termini di flessibilità dello stile di vita rather than a set retirement age. That means you don’t need to wait until 67 to live life on your terms—you just need a plan.
Costruire verso la libertà, un passo alla volta
Financial freedom doesn’t have to mean “never working again.” It can mean scelta quando e come si lavora. Può significare passare più tempo con la famiglia, dire no a lavori tossici o perseguire un progetto di passione senza timori.
E tutto inizia con la conoscenza del proprio numero.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the size of the goal. Every euro you save and invest brings you closer. The power of compounding, consistency, and clarity will do the rest.
So ask yourself: what would life look like if money wasn’t a constant worry? Then calculate what it would take to get there. Your financial freedom number isn’t just a figure—it’s your future, quantified.
