Although money alone won't make us happy, the lack of money surely will make us miserable.

If you are worried about job security and do not have an adequate emergency fund (ideally eight months' worth of living expenses stashed away in a federally insured bank or credit union), you need to focus more on saving money than paying down the balance on your credit cards.

A pile of bills and statements - whether paid or not - is a sign that someone is clueless about what's coming in and going out.

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

In January we start saving money, getting out of credit card debt, funding our retirement accounts, and we're doing wonderful. Then, every single year like clockwork, starting in November, all of you fall into this trap that says, 'I have to buy this gift... I can't show up at this party and not have something for everybody.

For all your long-term investments, such as retirement accounts that you won't touch for at least ten years, you need a mix of stocks and bonds. Stocks offer the best shot at inflation-beating gains. But stocks don't always go up. That's where bonds come into play: They have less upside potential, but they also do not pack the same risk.

When you are grateful - when you can see what you have - you unlock blessings to flow in your life.