If you're going to live in the house make it your goal to just pay off your mortgage.

Don't let what others think or say get in your way; their actions reflect on them, not you.

Take free money. No matter how in debt you are, if your employer offers a matching contribution on a 401(k) or other retirement vehicle, you must sign up and contribute enough to get the maximum company match each year. Think of it as a bonus.

Messages about money are passed down from generation to generation, worn and chipped like the family dishes.

When you understand that your self-worth is not determined by your net-worth, then you'll have financial freedom

Your goal should be to pay off your credit card bills in full at the end of each month and set aside money toward your emergency savings.

Bad debt is sacrificing your future day needs for your present day desires.