The 6 Levels of Financial Freedom and Four-Box Household Budgeting for Semi-Retirement

Financial freedom is broken into six levels, from dependence to complete freedom, and measured through a four-box household budget that separates basic living expenses from discretionary spending. The explanation focuses on how to categorize monthly and annual costs, how labor and asset income define each level, and what practical steps can raise one's level.

■ Four-Box Household Budget
- Basic living expenses: monthly and annual minimum survival costs
- Discretionary spending: monthly and annual enrichment costs
- Categorization depends on personal values and lifestyle

■ Six Levels of Financial Freedom
- Level 0 dependence, Level 1 minimal self-reliance, Level 2 economic independence
- Level 3 semi-retirement, Level 4 full retirement, Level 5 complete freedom
- Each level is defined by whether basic and discretionary costs are covered by labor or asset income

■ Measurement, Benefits, and Actions
- Example salaryman Mr. A illustrates how to place expenses and assess levels
- Benefits include defining personal freedom, shortening the distance to retirement, and tracking progress
- Required actions: lower basic living expenses, increase asset income, and build five money skills
- Mentions the LibeCity online community for questions and peer support

Intended for viewers who already track spending but feel no closer to financial security, and for those seeking concrete benchmarks and a structural way to think about semi-retirement. It offers a framework and action direction, not individualized financial advice or specific investment recommendations.