What's keeping you from being rich? In most cases it's simply a lack of belief. In order to become rich, you must believe you can do it, and you must take the actions necessary to achieve your goal.

With success comes unhelpful criticism - ignore it.

Opt for a fixed-rate rather than an adjustable-rate mortgage.

What happens to your money directly affects the quality of your life -- not your stockbroker's life or your banker's life, but YOUR life.

If your company matches your 401(k) contribution, then no matter what, contribute to your 401(k) first. You put in a dollar, they put in 50 cents. It's an automatic 50 percent return on your money. You can't pass that up. I'd rather have the 50 percent than pay 32 percent interest on a credit card.

Even if you were to fall into extreme financial hardship and file for bankruptcy, you need to understand that your student loan debt will not be discharged in bankruptcy. It is the Velcro of all debts.

Once you stop looking for a job, you are no longer considered part of the unemployment number.