We tend to focus on assets and forget about debts. Financial security requires facing up to the big picture: assets minus debts.

Late payments also hurt your FICO score. And never, ever take out a cash advance on your credit card.

You're thinking to yourself, 'How is it possible that I am going to pay back $150,000 in student loans? I'm never going to pay that back. What am I going to do?' Listen to me and listen to me good, class of 2013. I want you to think back to all of these things you said to yourself, 'I can't do that. I can't palpate a cow. And what's worse, palpating a cow or taking semen from a horse?' But you did it, didn't you?

Thoughtful financial planning can easily take a backseat to daily life.

Find $50 a month for savings. No excuses!

At the end of your life, you cannot take a penny with you. So what is the object of money if you can't take it with you?

If you expect your money to take care of you, you must take care of your money.