The only way you will ever permanently take control of your financial life is to dig deep and fix the root problem.

People often panic when the markets go down and sell off their stocks - but then they aren't in the game when the markets are doing well.

Many of the good things would never have happened if the bad events hadn't happened first.

Try handling problems in the office as dispassionately as you can and I guarantee you will have a better time of it; not least because when you bring emotion into the conversation, you furnish your colleagues with an easy "out" for dismissing you. If you are able to strip out the emotion, however, people have to deal with you based on the facts.

I get more inspired by seeing everyday people succeed against the odds than anything else in life.

Here's my gift-giving rule: Respect your current financial situation.

Look everywhere you can to cut a little bit from your expenses. It will all add up to a meaningful sum.