As our net worth falls, so does our self-worth. Ironically, it's when we don't have it that we most feel we have to flaunt it.

If the only way you can build an emergency fund is to pay the minimum due on your credit card, that is what you need to do.

If you pay off your mortgage before retirement, you take a huge financial load off your shoulders. You also become eligible to take out a reverse mortgage once you turn 62.

If you do not have at least an eight-month emergency fund, and you think there's a probability you could loose your job - and it's not just losing your job; you could be in a car accident, get sick - continue to pay the minimum on your credit card every month. Everything beyond that needs to go to establish an emergency fund. And if you have an emergency fund saved, then fund your retirement account before paying down credit card debt.

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

Stop saying yes out of fear about what others will think about you and say NO out of love for yourself!

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