Especially when we see that the national average is $15,000 in credit card debt and that savings and preparedness is dropping.

This article can put you back on track to a more fulfilling and financially free life.

1) Automate your investing.

Experience has proven that if we have to make a conscious effort every time we need to invest we will start with good intentions and then miserably fail a few months later.

If you can automate your savings, whether by using payroll deductions, self contributions to super, or direct deductions from your cheque account to a savings account - you will finish ahead.

The rule here is ... if you don't see it, you won't realise it - and you won't miss it.

Some of these deductions may reduce your taxable income and save you further on taxes (see your tax advisor for more info on this).

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of your income.

2) Real estate.

If you haven't already, buy a house.

Renting will only make your landlord (hint - house owner) rich.

Regardless of what the immediate market does real estate is one of the best long term investments you can make.

It also has many advantages including deductions for mortgage interest.

Real estate will always go up. People will always need a roof over their head.

Real estate has made many millionaires and is a key factor in almost every tape and book series on gaining wealth.

3) Health, disability and life insurance.

You need to have them, if you think you don't just ask anyone that didn't have it when something unexpected happened.

If you love your family, they are a must.

4) Don't ever buy new cars.

It is a fact that new cars lose 25-30% of their value the moment you drive it off the lot.

Let someone else pay for that depreciation and get a two or three year old car or truck.

With the latest technological advances cars can easily go 250,000 kilometres and above.

A two or three year old vehicle with 50,000k on it will save you not only in initial cost, but also on your insurance, and taxes.

Also, do your homework before buying your car.

Get your credit score and see what loans you qualify for.

This can easily be done right off the internet and will save you big at your local dealer (never take a dealers word for your credit and rate).

5) Get out of debt.

I put the investment tips above this as you need to pay yourself first.

If you are overwhelmed with debt, their are numerous non-for-profit agencies that will renegotiate your debt and terms on your behalf.

Work out a plan to get the high interest debt paid off.

Be wiser with your purchases - do you really need that 60 inch flat screen tv? a BMW you cannot afford? etc...

Cut up all cards but 1 (for emergencies you should have 1 credit card) and no store cards.

The whole purpose behind store cards is to entice you to buy more and pay more.

My grandfather said it best - "if you can't afford it, don't buy it." The only good loan to have is a mortgage.

6) Never burn bridges.

If you happen to leave your current employ, leave on good terms. Find a replacement if time permits.

This will put you in a good light with your former management and can result in a good reference, another job, a call back for more money, etc...

Never leave on bad terms. Its just not good Karma.

Also, it won't hurt to take former business associates and customers to lunch regularly.

This will keep you in tune to the industry, give you many additional contacts afford you future favours

Don't be afraid to ask for a favour every once in a while. Karma is the big rule here -when you help others you will inadvertently help yourself.

7) Give back.

Once you've made it it is only fair that you help others less fortunate than yourself.

Regardless of your beliefs when you donate time and money to help others you will inadvertently help yourself.

You will feel great.

Also, the cardinal rule of karma is that when you give you will get many more times what you give back.

Take the time to help by volunteering your time. Even if it is 1 hour a week, you will help improve someone else's life.

Volunteer, it will make you a better person.