We all share the dream of financial independence. By reaching the point at which our assets generate enough to cover our expenses for the remainder of our lives, we gain the freedom to focus all of our time on the things that really matter.

In honor of our nation's Independence Day this Fourth of July, the slideshow below shares the No. 1 tip to help you more quickly reach your own Financial Independence Day. Along with that tip, it also includes a brief discussion of how to think about money in terms of time, as well as priorities to make it easier to make the tough decisions that will help you attain financial independence sooner.