Building Emergency Funds on a Driver's Salary

Introduction: Your Safety Net for a Confident Dubai-to-Romania Move

If you’re a professional driver in Dubai eyeing Romania as your next career destination, you’re not just changing roads—you’re changing systems, currencies, contracts, weather, and daily costs. That’s exciting and rewarding, but it also introduces risk. The smartest way to manage that risk is to build a dedicated emergency fund that works for a driver’s reality: variable pay, long days, per diems, and occasional delays.

This guide gives you a practical, Romania-focused roadmap to build and protect an emergency fund on a driver’s salary—even when your income swings from month to month. You’ll learn how Romanian pay structures work, where to keep your savings, how much to target, the best banking tools, and how to turn per diem and overtime into a safety cushion.

Along the way, you’ll also get context on the Romanian logistics market, key routes and employers, the cost of living, EU benefits, and cultural tips that make your transition smoother. Whether you plan to work long-haul out of Arad towards Hungary and Western Europe, or domestic runs from Bucharest or Cluj, your emergency fund will be your first line of defense against surprises.

Why Emergency Funds Matter in Romania’s Driving Landscape

The European trucking context

In Romania—and across the EU—professional driving is highly regulated. You’ll comply with tachograph rules, rest times, and roadside inspections. These rules are good for safety and fair competition, but they also influence cash flow: a delayed load due to stricter checks at land borders, winter conditions in the Carpathians, or a longer queue at Nădlac II (Hungary border) can reduce your days on the road and the per diem you expected.

Real-world reasons drivers need a buffer in Romania

Onboarding delays: If you’re moving from Dubai, you may wait for your residence permit, work authorization, medical and psychological exams, CPC/Code 95, and tachograph card. That can mean a few weeks before full earnings start.
Per diem timing: Some Romanian carriers pay per diem (diurnă) on a fixed cycle—often at month-end—so a mid-month trip can tie up your cash.
Seasonal slowdowns: Winter storms in Transylvania or along the Prahova Valley can halt routes, and some industries slow in January–February.
Border and bureaucracy: While Romania joined Schengen for air and sea in 2024, land borders still have checks at the time of writing, leading to unpredictable waits.
Housing deposits and setup: One to two months’ rent as deposit in Bucharest or Cluj, plus utilities setup and initial transport cards.

An emergency fund bridges these gaps so you don’t use expensive credit, compromise your relocation, or accept unfavorable jobs under pressure.

Understanding Driver Income in Romania vs Dubai

Pay structure: What changes when you move

Base salary in RON: In Romania, drivers typically receive a base salary in Romanian Leu (RON). This is subject to standard income tax and social contributions.
Per diem (diurnă): For international routes, drivers usually receive a daily allowance (often in EUR) to cover travel expenses. Within legal thresholds, per diem is typically non-taxable; amounts above thresholds may be taxed. Policies vary by employer and change periodically—confirm current rules with your company’s HR or an accountant.
Overtime, night shifts, weekend pay: These are common and structured according to Romanian labor law and your contract.
Bonuses: Some companies pay safe driving, fuel efficiency, or on-time delivery bonuses.

In Dubai, drivers often have a single salary, sometimes with accommodation or food allowances. In Romania, the split between base salary and per diem is more central to your cash flow.

Typical ranges and what they mean for saving

Figures vary by company, route type (domestic vs international), your experience, and endorsements (e.g., ADR). As a broad, non-binding orientation:

Domestic routes: Base salary in RON plus overtime; total take-home can be lower than international routes but offers more nights at home.
International long-haul (Romania to EU): Base salary in RON plus per diem in EUR. Total monthly take-home often ends up higher because of per diem days.

For planning your emergency fund, think this way:

Cover essentials with your base salary and predictable components.
Treat per diem as semi-variable: great for saving, but don’t rely on it for fixed bills.

Note: Romania’s tax and labor rules evolve. The core idea is to base your emergency fund strategy on your guaranteed income and use variable income to accelerate savings.

Currency factor

Your salary will largely be in RON; per diem often in EUR.
Many on-road expenses and savings use EUR; local living is in RON.
Keep part of your emergency fund in RON for bills and part in EUR for pan-European resilience.

Setting Your Emergency Fund Target for Romania

How many months should drivers save?

For a mobile driver working in Romania’s EU-linked market, aim for:

Minimum: 3 months of essential living costs in Romania.
Safer zone: 4–6 months, especially if you depend heavily on per diem or plan to support family abroad.
Ultra-safe (if relocating with dependents or buying a car): 6–9 months.

What counts as “essential” in Romania?

Base your target on recurring costs you must pay regardless of route availability:

Rent and utilities
Food and mobile/internet
Local transport or car fuel/insurance
Healthcare needs not covered by public insurance (over-the-counter meds, private clinic visits)
Childcare/education if applicable
Minimum debt payments
Essential remittances (if you support family overseas)

Sample monthly essential budget (single driver)

Examples only, based on typical 2024–2025 ranges. Adjust carefully for your city and lifestyle.

Bucharest (capital):
- Rent (1-bedroom): 350–600 EUR
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet): 100–160 EUR
- Groceries: 180–250 EUR
- Mobile plan: 5–10 EUR
- Local transport: 20–30 EUR
- Misc. essentials: 50–100 EUR
- Total: ~705–1,150 EUR (approx. 3,500–5,700 RON at 5 RON/EUR)
Cluj-Napoca / Timișoara / Brașov:
- Rent (1-bedroom): 300–550 EUR
- Utilities: 90–150 EUR
- Groceries: 170–230 EUR
- Mobile: 5–10 EUR
- Transport: 15–25 EUR
- Misc.: 50–80 EUR
- Total: ~630–1,045 EUR
Smaller logistics hubs (Pitești, Arad, Oradea, Bacău):
- Rent (1-bedroom): 220–400 EUR
- Utilities: 70–130 EUR
- Groceries: 150–210 EUR
- Mobile: 5–10 EUR
- Transport: 15–20 EUR
- Misc.: 40–70 EUR
- Total: ~500–840 EUR

Emergency fund target examples:

If your essentials are 700 EUR/month: target 2,100–4,200 EUR (3–6 months)
If your essentials are 1,000 EUR/month: target 3,000–6,000 EUR

Add Romania-specific buffers

Winter gear and heating spikes (extra 50–100 EUR/month Nov–Mar)
Border wait contingencies (lost per diem days)
Certification/renewal costs (CPC/Code 95, ADR, medicals)
Driving license exchange or testing costs if needed

Budgeting on a Variable Driver Income (Romania Edition)

The zero-based approach with a driver twist

Use a zero-based budget but anchor it to your guaranteed income.

Identify your predictable income: base salary after taxes and contributions.
Cover essentials first with that base.
Assign variable income (per diem, overtime, bonuses) to:
- Emergency fund contributions
- Sinking funds (vehicle maintenance, medical, travel home)
- Optional lifestyle or family remittances

The 60/30/10 for drivers

60% of your base salary: essentials (in RON)
30% of your base salary: emergency fund and sinking funds
10%: discretionary
100% of per diem: split 70/20/10
- 70% to savings/emergency fund (especially first 6 months in Romania)
- 20% to travel-related expenses
- 10% to discretionary

Adjust these ratios to your reality, but keep the principle: protect essentials with base pay and grow savings from per diem.

Automate in Romania

Set standing orders on payday from your RON current account to a RON savings account.
When per diem in EUR lands, move a pre-decided slice to an EUR savings pocket.
If your employer pays everything in RON, consider exchanging a portion to EUR monthly to reduce FX risk.

Sinking funds drivers should consider

Professional costs: CPC/Code 95 renewals, medicals, tachograph card
Winter kit: tires and chains (if you own a personal car), cold-weather workwear
Home setup: furniture and appliances if you’re renting long-term
Travel back home: annual flight budget from Bucharest/Cluj/Timișoara to your home country

A 90-day onboarding budget template

Month 1 (Arrival):

Rent deposit + first month (1–2x rent)
Utilities setup
Local SIM, transport card
Groceries and basic household items
Contributions: start with a modest emergency fund transfer (even 100–200 EUR) to build the habit

Month 2 (First full work month):

Essentials covered by base salary
Save 50–70% of per diem towards emergency fund
Begin sinking funds

Month 3 (Stabilization):

Recalculate budget based on actual earnings and costs
Move to automated transfers
Target to hit at least 1–2 months of essentials saved by end of Month 3

Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund in Romania

Three-bucket structure for resilience

Bucket 1: Instant access (RON)
- 1–2 months of essentials
- Store in a RON current or high-liquidity savings account
Bucket 2: Short-term reserves (RON)
- 1–2 months of essentials
- Store in a RON savings account with competitive interest and easy withdrawals
Bucket 3: Euro buffer (EUR)
- 1–2 months of essentials converted to EUR
- Useful if you run international routes and spend cross-border, or want FX stability

Banking and fintech options

Major Romanian banks: Banca Transilvania, BCR, ING, Raiffeisen, UniCredit. Most offer online banking in English.
Digital apps: Some drivers use multi-currency apps to hold EUR and RON and transfer from UAE during relocation. Check fees and compliance.
Deposit protection: Bank deposits in Romania are typically guaranteed up to the EU-aligned limit per depositor per bank. Keep larger savings spread if needed.

Earn a bit of interest—without risking the fund’s purpose

Use flexible savings accounts rather than locking funds into long-term deposits (which may penalize early withdrawal).
Keep the emergency fund liquid. For longer-term goals (a down payment or car), separate investments may make sense—but not with your emergency fund.

Currency strategy for EU drivers

Keep daily living cushion in RON.
Maintain a strategic EUR buffer for cross-border expenses and to reduce exchange-rate surprises.
Rebalance quarterly based on your routes and employer’s payment currency.

Main Content: Romania-Specific Money Moves That Work for Drivers

1) Build from your first per diem cycle

Create a standing rule: minimum 50% of your first three months of per diem goes straight to savings.
If your employer provides meal vouchers (tichete de masă) or additional allowances, treat them as a bonus—don’t reduce your target savings because of them.

2) Use envelopes (physical or digital) for Romanian living costs

Rent + utilities envelope (RON)
Groceries envelope (RON)
Transport envelope (RON)
Medical/Pharmacy envelope (RON)
Euro travel envelope (EUR) for international runs

3) Pre-build a “border and breakdown” sub-fund

200–400 EUR dedicated to unexpected delays, toll issues, or urgent repairs if company policies require driver support before reimbursement.
Keep this in EUR if you often drive outside Romania.

4) Smooth seasonal costs with micro-sinking funds

Winter heating and clothing: stash a small amount monthly from April–September so winter doesn’t hit your cash flow.
Yearly documents: set aside monthly for driver certificates and renewals.

5) Renegotiate bills after Month 2

Internet and mobile in Romania can be competitive; review your plan after settling to cut costs.
If renting longer-term, negotiate a slight discount for paying on time and signing a 12-month contract.

6) Choose location with logistics in mind

Arad/Oradea/Nădlac corridor: Strong access to Hungary and Western Europe, often higher days on road.
Pitești: Automotive logistics hub (near Dacia plant), steady domestic and regional freight.
Constanța: Port-driven logistics; opportunities in container and intermodal operations.
Bucharest: Headquarters of many logistics firms, courier jobs, and distribution centers.

Living closer to your depot reduces commuting and emergency taxi costs.

Best Practices and Tips (Romania-Specific)

Document discipline: Keep digital copies of contract, pay slips, diurna statements, tachograph downloads, and expense receipts. Romanian employers and tax rules value documentation.
Understand diurnă: Ask HR how it’s calculated, paid, and treated tax-wise. Set a fixed percentage for savings each payout.
Safety reserves for winter: Romania’s winters can be harsh, especially on mountain routes (DN1, DN7). Have a separate small kit fund for gloves, thermal wear, and boots.
Insurance check: Employers cover truck insurance, but consider personal accident or supplemental health insurance for fast private clinic access.
Health system onboarding: Register with a family doctor (medic de familie) once you have residence. For quick care, private clinics in major cities are affordable relative to Western EU.
Banking in English: Choose a bank with English-speaking support and robust apps. Set alerts for incoming per diem and automate transfers into savings.
Multi-currency habit: If you do EU routes, maintain a stable EUR buffer. When EUR strengthens against RON, avoid over-converting to RON.
Use local deal platforms: Grocery chains (e.g., Kaufland, Lidl, Carrefour) run weekly promotions—use them to lower grocery bills and increase savings.
Protect against theft: Keep modest cash, favor cards and mobile payments, and avoid carrying the whole emergency fund as cash when on the road.

Common Challenges and Solutions (for Relocating to Romania)

1) Challenge: Onboarding delays before full pay starts

Reality: Work authorization, residence permit, CPC/Code 95, tachograph card, medical/psych exams can take weeks.
Solution:
- Bring a 1–2 month cash buffer from Dubai.
- Plan a temporary budget that assumes no per diem for 4–6 weeks.
- Choose shared accommodation or short-term rentals initially.

2) Challenge: Language barriers in admin and banking

Reality: While many Romanians speak English—especially younger people and in big cities—some procedures are in Romanian.
Solution:
- Use translation apps.
- Ask your employer or a relocation agent to accompany you to key appointments.
- Learn key financial terms: „cont curent” (current account), „economii” (savings), „dobândă” (interest), „extras de cont” (account statement).

3) Challenge: Cost-of-living shock in Bucharest or Cluj

Reality: Rents can feel high compared to expectations.
Solution:
- Consider logistics-focused cities with better value like Pitești, Arad, Oradea, Galați, or Ploiești.
- Share accommodation initially.
- Renegotiate after 3 months of on-time payments.

4) Challenge: Irregular per diem and expense reimbursement cycles

Reality: Different companies pay on different schedules.
Solution:
- Keep an EUR buffer for on-road needs.
- Track payouts and build your budget around the most conservative schedule.

5) Challenge: Winter driving and downtime

Reality: Snow and ice can cut days on the road.
Solution:
- Build a winter fund from spring and summer months.
- Keep your emergency fund at 4–6 months of essentials before November.

6) Challenge: Exchange-rate volatility (RON/EUR)

Reality: Per diem in EUR, rent in RON can create gains or losses.
Solution:
- Split savings between RON and EUR.
- Convert gradually (dollar-cost averaging) rather than in one large transfer.

7) Challenge: Adapting from Dubai’s tax environment

Reality: Romania has income tax and social contributions on salary; per diem treatment depends on thresholds.
Solution:
- Ask HR for a net pay estimate based on your contract.
- Base your emergency fund target on net essentials and revisit after two pay cycles.

Industry Insights: Romania’s Trucking and Logistics Market

Why Romania is a strong base for EU driving careers

Strategic location: Romania sits on the TEN-T Core Network with access to Hungary, Bulgaria, Moldova, and the Black Sea (Port of Constanța).
EU market access: Romanian carriers operate extensively across the EU, offering exposure to Western European routes.
Growing infrastructure: Expansion of A1 (Nădlac–Deva–Sibiu), A2 (Bucharest–Constanța), and A3 segments improves transit times.

Key routes and logistics hotspots

West gateway: Arad–Timișoara–Oradea corridor to Hungary (Nădlac II, Borș II) for Western EU runs.
North-West: Cluj–Oradea–Satu Mare connecting to Slovakia/Czech Republic via Hungary.
South: Bucharest–Giurgiu into Bulgaria, onward to Greece and Turkey.
East: Iași–Albița towards Moldova; Galați/Brăila for Danube industrial links.
Port of Constanța: Major container gateway for Central/Eastern Europe.

Road rules and compliance touches

EU driving/rest times and tachograph use are enforced.
Rovinietă: Romania’s nationwide road vignette is required, with class-based fees for trucks.
ISCTR: Romanian Road Transport Authority conducts inspections; keep documents ready.
Winter requirements: Winter tires are mandatory when roads are covered with snow/ice; chains can be required in mountain areas.

Employers and platforms

Romanian and Romania-based operators include firms active in international and domestic transport. You’ll also find opportunities with multinationals operating locally.
Freight platforms: Trans.eu, TIMOCOM, and the local BursaTransport are commonly used by dispatch and carriers.

Work conditions and culture

Professionalism: Dispatch teams value punctuality, accurate ETA updates, and clean documentation.
Communication style: Direct and polite. WhatsApp and phone are common for quick updates.
English usage: Varies. Many dispatchers in larger firms use English; Romanian helps in local admin and roadside interactions.

What this means for your emergency fund

Cross-border operations introduce more variability in per diem days; a stronger emergency fund reduces stress.
EU compliance and inspections can delay trips—your fund replaces lost income when a week is lighter than planned.

Practical Action Steps for the Dubai-to-Romania Relocation

60–90 days before moving

Research employers and contracts
- Shortlist 3–5 Romanian carriers and ask for written offers detailing base pay, per diem rate and frequency, route patterns, and onboarding timelines.
- Clarify when you’ll receive the first full paycheck and first per diem.
Build a Dubai pre-move buffer
- Save at least 1–2 months of your expected Romanian essentials in EUR.
- Keep funds in an accessible multi-currency account for transfer on arrival.
Tackle documents early
- Work permit/visa steps: Your Romanian employer typically initiates sponsorship. Ask for a timeline and checklists.
- Start translating and notarizing documents if required.
Budget estimation
- Choose a target city and estimate rent and utilities.
- Set a preliminary emergency fund target (e.g., 4 months of essentials).

Arrival week (Week 1–2)

Open bank accounts
- RON current account and, if possible, an EUR account.
- Enable online banking and card payments immediately.
Housing
- Secure short-term accommodation first; avoid long commitments until your job schedule is confirmed.
- Negotiate rent and clarify utility billing.
Admin setup
- Start residence procedures, medical checks, CPC/Code 95, and tachograph card process.
- Keep all receipts and contracts organized.
Baseline budget
- Draft a month-one budget assuming minimal per diem.

First full work month

Track earnings
- Record base pay, per diem days and amounts, and any overtime.
Automate savings
- Move 50–70% of per diem to savings as soon as it’s paid.
- Start filling RON and EUR buckets.
Control expenses
- Use grocery promotions and meal planning.
- Consider a shared apartment for the first 3–6 months.

Months 2–3

Reforecast
- Use real income and expense data to refine your emergency fund target.
Add sinking funds
- Allocate small fixed amounts for winter, certifications, and travel home.
Strengthen EUR position if routes are EU-focused
- Keep 1–2 months of essentials in EUR if most trips are outside Romania.

Month 4 and beyond

Aim for 3–6 months of essentials saved
- Gradually raise your target if you plan major purchases or bring family.
Improve terms
- Ask for predictable payment cycles if per diem is uneven.
Upskill for better routes
- Consider ADR or specialized certifications to increase earning potential and accelerate savings.

Case Study: Turning Per Diem into a Safety Net

Ali, 34, moved from Dubai to Arad to join a Romania-based carrier focused on Western EU routes. His contract:

Base salary: Paid in RON
Per diem: Paid in EUR for days abroad
Payout schedule: Base monthly, per diem in two tranches per month

Ali’s plan:

Month 1: He banked 60% of his per diem, kept expenses lean, and shared an apartment.
Month 2: He raised per diem savings to 70% after realizing he didn’t need to spend much on the road.
Month 3: He hit 2 months of essentials saved across RON and EUR.
Month 5: With a steady rhythm and occasional overtime, Ali reached 4 months saved. His stress about border delays dropped significantly.

Key takeaway: The emergency fund isn’t only about the amount—it’s about protecting your mindset so you can make good decisions on and off the road.

Common Romania-Related Questions Drivers Ask Themselves (Before They Save)

Will I need to exchange my driver’s license? If you’re a non-EU citizen, you may need to exchange your license and obtain EU-required qualifications (CPC/Code 95). Some non-EU licenses can’t be exchanged directly—your employer will guide you on local testing.
How do I manage taxes? Salary is taxed and subject to contributions; per diem is generally non-taxable up to limits. Confirm with HR or a tax professional.
Is English enough? Often for work, yes—especially with multinational carriers. However, basic Romanian helps with banks, landlords, and roadside checks.
What about winters? Prepare for snow and ice; invest in proper clothing and allow extra travel time. Keep your emergency fund topped up before winter.

Best Practices for Storing and Using Your Emergency Fund

Label your savings: Split into “1 Month RON,” “1 Month EUR,” and “Border/Breakdown” buckets so you know exactly what each portion covers.
Do not invest your emergency fund: Keep it liquid and secure. Separate investment goals (if any) from your emergency savings.
Refill immediately after use: If you tap the fund, rebuild it with the next per diem or bonus before adding to discretionary spending.
Quarterly review: Adjust targets for rent changes, utility seasonality, and currency movements.

Using Romania’s Financial System to Your Advantage

Direct debit for key bills: Set up automated payments for rent, utilities, and mobile to avoid late fees.
Card over cash: Cards are widely accepted across Romania; mobile wallets are growing. Use them to track spending.
Learn your bank’s foreign exchange rate: If your bank’s FX is expensive, consider a reputable multi-currency wallet for conversions between RON and EUR.
Cash when needed: Keep a small cash reserve (RON and EUR) for toll booths, rural areas, or emergencies.

Cultural Integration Tips That Save Money

Shop like a local: Explore hypermarkets, discount chains, and local markets. Many drivers find groceries cheaper in Romania than in Dubai.
Public transport: In major cities, monthly passes are affordable; use them during time off instead of taxis.
Community groups: Join expatriate and driver communities online for housing leads and job tips.
Holidays and peak travel: Plan travel home outside of peak holiday periods to save on airfare.

Risk Management: What Could Go Wrong—and How Your Fund Helps

Administrative delay: Fund covers extra weeks waiting for permits.
Unexpected medical costs: Fund fills gaps and speeds access to private clinics if needed.
Family emergency travel: EUR buffer lets you buy an urgent ticket without credit.
Job change: If an employer’s routes or terms change, your fund buys you time to switch carriers without panic.

Conclusion: Start Your Safety Net Today

Moving from Dubai to Romania opens the door to EU routes, career growth, and a more balanced lifestyle. But the shift also means new rules, currencies, and cost patterns. The most reliable way to protect yourself is to build a driver-ready emergency fund—one that’s split between RON and EUR, anchored by your base salary, and powered by disciplined use of per diem.

Start now. Decide your monthly essential costs in your target Romanian city, set a 3–6 month savings target, and automate your first transfer. Every day you drive with a growing safety net is a day you make better choices—on the road and in life.

Ready to plan your Romania move with confidence? Reach out to carriers, compare contracts, and set up your banking so your emergency fund can start growing from your very first payout.

FAQs: Working and Living in Romania for Professional Drivers

1) How much emergency fund should I build before moving from Dubai to Romania?

Aim for at least 1–2 months of Romanian living costs before you fly, then grow to 3–6 months within your first 3–6 months of work. If you expect onboarding delays or support family back home, target 4–6 months earlier.

2) Are driver salaries paid in RON or EUR in Romania?

Base salary is typically paid in RON and taxed under Romanian rules. Per diem for international trips is often paid in EUR and is usually non-taxable up to legal thresholds. Always confirm your employer’s policy and the current legislation.

3) Can I open a bank account in Romania as a non-EU newcomer?

Yes, especially once you have the required identification and residence documentation. Many banks provide English-language services and mobile apps. Open both a RON and, if available, an EUR account to manage your split-currency life.

4) What are typical monthly living costs for a driver in Romania?

It varies by city. As a rough guide, a single driver might spend 500–850 EUR in smaller hubs, 630–1,045 EUR in major regional cities, and 705–1,150 EUR in Bucharest. Your actual costs depend on rent, lifestyle, and whether you share accommodation.

5) Do I need to exchange my UAE driver’s license for Romania?

If you’re a non-EU citizen, you may need to exchange your license and complete EU-required professional qualifications (CPC/Code 95) and medical/psych tests. Some non-EU licenses require local testing. Your employer or a licensing center can clarify the current process for your case.

6) Is Romania safe and suitable for long-haul drivers?

Romania is generally safe, with professional enforcement on major corridors and common-sense precautions at rest areas. Winter driving requires preparation. With the right employer, equipment, and personal safety habits, long-haul work can be both safe and rewarding.

7) How do taxes affect my take-home pay as a driver in Romania?

Your base salary is subject to income tax and social contributions; per diem is generally non-taxable up to a legal limit. Rules can change—ask HR for a detailed net pay estimate based on your contract and consult a tax professional if needed.

Final Checklist: Your Romania Emergency Fund Playbook

Choose your target city and estimate monthly essentials.
Set a 3–6 month emergency fund target.
Open RON and EUR accounts; set up online banking and automatic transfers.
Allocate 50–70% of per diem to savings in the first 3 months.
Build a 200–400 EUR border/breakdown mini-fund.
Create sinking funds for winter, certifications, and travel home.
Review and rebalance quarterly between RON and EUR.
Keep the fund liquid and separate from investments.

Your next route might cross borders, but your financial foundation starts at home. Build it now—so every kilometer you drive in Romania moves you closer to security and freedom.