Stop hiding, and own up to your real circumstances. You can't change your financial situation if you don't look your present circumstances straight in the eye.

Create a game plan to get your finances in order.

Reduce credit card debt and avoid falling back into that black hole.

Become and remain financially conscious.

Reduce expendable spending and increase savings. Create a solid budget that will meet all of your basic needs.

Vastly increase your financial knowledge. When the savings accumulate, it will be time to make investment decisions.

Create concrete, realistic goals for your future. Just remember — success will breed success.

Invest in yourself and your future. Taking measured risks in the investment business is the only way to build your capital assets and increase your wealth.

Protect your assets and investments. Making smart decisions to properly safeguard your wealth and your children's financial security is a huge part of financial genius.

Plan for your children's education. If you want to give your children the opportunity to obtain a higher education, you need to activate a serious savings plan now.