1. Know yourself and your goals. Understand personal finance advice so you your can learn about your spending type. There's a big difference between being rich and being wealthy. Define wealth on your own terms. Discover how to align your life goals and your financial goals.

2. Take charge of your own finances. Learn personal finance advice and learn about loans. Trust yourself to be only financial manager with your best interests completely at the forefront. Become financially literate.

3. Live within your means. Don't worry about keeping up with your neighbors, friends or relatives. There are many ways to enjoy a rich life while saving money. You can find the best value for what you want to purchase.

4. Find ways to save money on living expenses and luxuries. We have tips on how to save money on your phone bill, cut food costs, lower your energy costs, reduce your medical expenses, get a better deal on shelter, shop smart for technology and much more.

5. Save and invest a portion of your income. By creating and keeping to a budget, you can accumulate savings to invest. Follow investment advice from top-notch independent advisors for the best results.

6. Evaluate your spending. Tracking and analyzing your spending is an important way to build healthy financial habits and it's easy. A variety of methods exist, from computer software programs to paper notebooks. The right option for you depends on your own preferences. The most important part is simply that you begin a system that makes you aware of your spending habits. Once you do, you'll find it much easier to make wise financial decisions.

7. Give to others. Emerson said it well: "...find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

8. Investment tools. Retirement accounts are great investment tools, and you may be tempted to put all your money in your IRA. However, there are other investment options worth considering. Your decision depends on your financial goals and when you'll need the money for them.

9. How to avoid common financial mistakes. Proper planning and a good dose of education can prevent certain disasters. It's time you assessed your current situation and identified potential problems. This is not an area to dwell on or a time to get depressed. Rather, an honest evaluation of common money mistakes is an opportunity to excel. The more problems you identify, the more solutions become available to bring you closer to the goal of financial independence and success.