I had joined a women’s group that was encouraging and supportive. We were meant to help one another grow and succeed. I attended a talk about personal finance, which was followed by a lavish dinner at a fancy restaurant. We all paid our share of the bill, but it was expensive, and exactly what we had discussed NOT doing.

We should have gone out for a taco, a salad. Something cheap. What we were doing was FEELING rich, not BEING rich. And certainly getting just a little bit poorer. One of the most important things you can do to get rich is start thinking and acting like a rich person. And probably the MOST important thing you can do is LIVE BELOW YOUR MEANS.

This was gospel in my house growing up. And it has saved me from taking jobs I don’t want, allowing me to bide my time and wait for the right job. It has enabled me to start my own business without fear of losing my apartment. I always had a little bit of savings, and when I say a little bit, I mean three months savings.

You’re might in debt right now, and working your way back. If that’s where you are: no shame. It’s shame that prevents people from getting out of some of the holes they’ve landed in. Read my article on getting out of debt.

But if you’re NOT in debt, make sure you don’t go into it except for certain things. Those are: to buy a house, or to finance something for your business.