#FreeBritney Part 1: Life-changing benefits of financial independence

Britney Spears’ 13 year struggle to break her conservatorship and achieve financial independence recently swept back through the social media spotlight. Fueled by her fans’ support, the #FreeBritney campaign calls for an end to the pop superstar’s fight for financial and personal freedom.

Following a series of very public mental health episodes in 2008, courts placed the then 26-year-old Spears under the temporary conservatorship of her father, Jamie Spears. The order was gradually extended for over a decade, despite Britney’s objections and desire to regain her personal autonomy.

During this time, Spears’ put in the work releasing successful albums, going on worldwide tours, and growing her wealth to over $60 million. Despite this incredible display of competency, Spears is still unable to make any decisions about how her money is spent or invested.

Earlier this summer, after formally petitioning to end her conservatorship, Spears addressed the courts directly in a much-anticipated public hearing. “I shouldn’t be in a conservatorship if I can work and provide money and work for myself and pay other people,” she told the judge. “It makes no sense…It’s been 13 years. And it’s enough. It’s been a long time since I’ve owned my money.”

 

continue reading »