Thanks for voting!1.
We will spend less than we earn.
Saving a little out of every dollar we bring home is the foundation of independence. Without it, we can't build equity in our home, we can't invest for the future, and we can't be ready for challenging times. We promise to pay ourselves first, always.2.
We will use our home as a savings account.
Besides shelter and comfort for our family, the role of a house in our financial life is to build equity. We will have a healthy down payment when we buy. We'll choose the mortgage that lets us pay down the principal fastest. And then we'll leave that equity safe where it is instead of spending it on things that don't last. 3.
We will take care of our money.
It's not enough to have money in a bank. We will put it where it will grow. We'll keep track of it. And we'll check every account we have every year to protect ourselves against fraud or escheatment. 4.
We will defend our credit worthiness.
Good credit is going to be precious in the years to come. We will pay our bills on time. We'll borrow only when we need to and in amounts we can comfortably pay back. And then we'll do just that. 5.
We will ignore unsolicited credit card marketing.
We decide when we need a credit card, not some marketer. And mostly, we probably don't need another one at all. We won't even open those solicitations. We'll shred them. 6.
We will know the cost of borrowing.
The interest lenders charge us is real money, too. When we buy a mortgage or finance a purchase, we'll figure out what that interest is really going to cost in dollars, add it to the purchase price, and ask ourselves if it's still worth it. 7.
We will invest for the long term.
Futures are built out of patience and prudence, not luck. We will not put off being a saver because we think there's a lottery win in our future, in Vegas or on Wall Street. 8.
We will take care of the things we have.
We work hard for our money, and it's disrespectful to waste it - or the planet - by treating our possessions as disposable. 9.
We will remember what matters.
We are not the things we own. If we have to spend and spend on bigger, more impressive things to keep up with our friends, then they are not our friends at all. 10.
We will be heard.
Our representatives in government and the corporations we deal with need to know that we are paying attention. If we're silent, we're accepting the status quo, and the business practices that got our country into this situation will continue. We are not going to accept that. 
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[...] independent? After you read the Declaration of Independence, read ING DIRECT’s 10-point Declaration of Financial Independence. It’s a great sanity check of how far you’ve come (or [...]
Hi,
well written article, I think our views on The Declaration of Financial Independence « We, the Savers differ a little however you put foward some good points
Thanks
[...] We, the Savers was set up by ING Direct to connect savers across the country. Sign the declaration and use calculators, tools and freebies available on the site. [...]
To day is what we are calling our Financial Independence Day. Today we are Credit Card free of debt. The only debt we have is our home and we consider that our savings plan also. We had to clear out our savings accounts to pay off the Credit Card but at 15 % interest we felt it was worth it. Now it is full speed ahead on savings. We are so excited. We love you ING.
All ten (10) declarations are excellent! Specifically, a good strategy to assist one in making their home a “savings account” (#2 declaration)…if you can and the mortgage servicer has the ability from a systems standpoint…use the “Bi-Weekly” payment option. You make one half of your mortgage payment every other week. By doing this you pay down little (at first) chunks of principal every 14 days. This eliminates the ability of the Bank to acrue interest on the chunk of principal you have eliminated. Over time this Bi-Weekly payment strategy will reduce the term of your mortgage from 30 years down to ~ 23 years. Oh…don’t forget the tremendous interest savings as well…the amount will depend on the original note amount and interest rate. Check it out…I’ve used this strategy on several different properties owned and I’ve discovered the “Bankers Secret”…it worked for me. “Good Savings” to all!
Point #10 is most important. Our representatives need to remember that we only loaned them our power, and we will take it back if they don’t start using it as we intended. Barry MacMurray
I think that this Declaration should be sent to Washington D.C and maybe a few folks there should sign this !!!!
Reducing your expenditures and expecting a dramatic difference within your household would mean many changes in life styles. The best thing in making these changes you may also improve your health and the health of your whole family. 1)Groceries: Shop on line;check off when empty(no canned items; whole foods ;frozen and dehydrated;juice from concentrate,etc; home deliveruy water for cooking,juice,fresh drinks ice. 2) Utilities: Choose your veiwing/families viewing;read a book,go for a walk join health club Aand a social group. Go to a car wash..etc3)Gas: Walk or ride scooter;drive longer distances….4)Party: Creative Gifts;Desserts&Alcohol in moderation or at happy hour; let your friends bring their own poison& your provide the grill they bring an appetizer…..Online info Mag…to save environment & less pkg goods to slow down plastic production,needs…
wow your’s blog wonderful ft,
I am happy with ING. They are the best. The advice given is very good and should be followed if we want peace and no worries. The bank where I have my checking account is very good but I am careful not to do anything that will incur a charge. I am not sure concerning the bank but so far everything is fine. I am having problems with money but it is because of my son and his family. I do a lot for them financially. It is difficult when you want to help and that you are limited.
Thank you for this updated information. I have been with ING for over 8 years and am very happy with your service. Item #10 on your list for financial independence is the most important one to me because we have to let our appointed officials know if were are happy or unhappy with their performance. Are they are using their power to serve the people, not themselves.
ING puts more effort in customer education & involvement than any financial company I have see!
Thank you for this declaration- it reminded me of what power I really have over my finances!