Especially when we look at the national average is $10,000 in credit card debt and savings and willingness is falling. This article can help you return to a more fulfilling and financially free life.

• Automate your investment. Experience has shown that if we had to make a conscious effort every time we had to invest, we would start with good intentions and fail miserably months later. If you can automate your savings, either by using your employer’s 401k, sep (self-employment plan) or by direct deductions from your account, you’ll get things done first. The rule here is: if you don’t see it, you won’t notice it and you can’t miss it. Some of these deductions reduce your taxable income and save you more taxes (ask your CPA and tax advisor for more information). A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of your income.

• Real estate. If not, buy a house. Renting will only make your landlord (tip – landlord) rich. Regardless of what the live market is doing, real estate is one of the best long-term investments you can make. It also has many benefits including reduced mortgage rates. Real estate will always go up. People will always need a roof over their heads. Just watch HGTV, real estate has made many millionaires and is a key factor in making a fortune in almost every tape and book series. Stick with a standard mortgage with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

• Health and life insurance. You must have it if you feel like you don’t just ask someone who doesn’t have it when something unexpected happens. If you love your family, they are a must. But on that note, don’t take it. buy term. 20 years provides good long term coverage and if you follow all of these tips you won’t need more than that. All life only makes your agent rich and never really builds value for the huge fees involved. Term Life can be purchased cheaply over the internet with great savings. For health insurance, Blue Cross and Blue Shield offer great plans in most states that are a fraction of a Cobra or Employer plan. If you have a decent work schedule, by all means use it. Stick with big names like Blue Cross because they’ll be around for years.

• 4) Never buy a new car. It’s a fact that new cars lose 25-30% of their value when you drive them. Have someone else pay for the depreciation and buy a two or three year old car or truck. With the latest advances in technology, cars can easily travel 150,000 miles and more. A two or three-year-old vehicle with 30,000 miles not only saves on acquisition costs, but also on insurance and taxes. Also, do your homework before you buy your car. Get your credit score and see which loans you qualify for. This can easily be done directly over the internet and will save you a ton of money at your local dealership (never take a dealer’s word for your creditworthiness and interest rates – they will have 1-3 point interest rates and that could add thousands of extra Interest means time frame loans).

• Get out of debt. I included the investment tips above because you need to pay yourself first. If you are saddled with debt, there are many nonprofit agencies that will renegotiate your debt and terms on your behalf. Develop a plan to pay off high-interest debt. Shop smarter – do you really need that 60-inch flat screen TV? The BMW you can’t afford? etc… Cut up all cards except 1 (should have 1 credit card for emergencies) and no loyalty cards. The whole purpose behind loyalty cards is to convince you to buy more and pay more. My grandfather put it best: “If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.” The only good loan is a mortgage.

• Never burn bridges. If you leave your current job, leave on good terms. Find a replacement if time permits. This gives you a good reputation with your previous management and can lead to good referrals, other jobs, call backs for more money, etc. Never leave a bad relationship. It’s just not good, Kharma. In addition, there is nothing wrong with regularly inviting former business partners and customers to lunch. This keeps you up to date with the industry and gives you lots of extra contacts to help you in the future – just think of the lobbyists on Capital Hill, you don’t think they’re wasting all that money on their politicians, do you? Don’t be afraid to ask for help once in a while. Kharma is the big rule here – when you help others, you unwittingly help yourself.

• Return. Once you’re successful, it’s only natural that you’ll help others who are less fortunate than you. Regardless of your beliefs, when you give your time and money to help others, you unwittingly help yourself. You will feel great. Also, the cardinal rule of karma is that when you give, you get much more than you give. Take the time to help by donating your time. Even if it’s 1 hour a week, you’re helping improve the lives of others. Volunteering, it will make you a better person.