The last thing family and friends want is for you to spend money on them that you don't have or that you can't really spare.

I think they've been baby bummers.

When it comes to tackling your financial goals, whatever they might be, there's no time like the present.

I get so frustrated when people tell me it's unrealistic to create an eight-month emergency savings fund, or have money saved for a home down payment, or pay off their $5,000 credit card balance.

Credit card companies are jacking up interest rates, lowering credit limits, and closing accounts - and people who have made timely payments are not exempt. So even if you pay off your balance - and that's tough when interest rates are insanely high - there's a good chance your credit limit will be slashed, and that will hurt your FICO score.

Be as good to yourself as you are to those you love.

In order to create lasting security you must learn to stand in your truth.