When do you know that you are financially independent, and what steps do you need to take to be financially independent?

I've always been. I support myself and my kid with no help.

First, be debt free. Second, owning the property you live in is preferable. Have savings equivalent to two years earnings for Emergencies.. and assemble income streams to cover all expected living expenses, with a safety margin.. If you can arrange this from 3 different sources to cover if one doesnt perform, that would be better..

1. When one does not have to rely on anything or anyone.

2. Save.

However, shit happens in life and those who think that they will never need assistance in some way from 'something/someone' are unrelatable, to me.

Starts when one earns more than 1 spends. Very big ones away from credit.

When your income and savings comfortably exceeds your expenditure