Here's my gift-giving rule: Respect your current financial situation.

• Money is such an amazing teacher: What you choose to do with your money shows whether you are truly powerful or powerless.
• The chances of a bank going out of business are extremely slim, but it's always a good idea to spread around major sums so every penny is backed by insurance.
• The most important loan to pay is your student loan. It's more important than your mortgage, car and credit card payments. You cannot discharge student loan debt in the majority of cases.
• Rather than saying, 'My checking account is a wreck,' change it to 'I will learn how to track my spending and balance my checkbook.'
• A wise woman recognizes when her life is out of balance and summons the courage to act to correct it, she knows the meaning of true generosity, happiness is the reward for a life lived in harmony, with a courage and grace.
• In all realms of life it takes courage to stretch your limits, express your power, and fulfill your potential... it's no different in the financial realm.
• A wise woman knows how to summon her courage and do what is right, rather than what is easy.
• You must recognize, embrace, and be honest about what is real for you today and allow that understanding to inform the choices you make. Only then will you be able to build the future of your dreams.
• So many financial dreams are thwarted by the failure to act upon good intentions.
• We never had it as rough as the kids have it today. Look at the price of a gallon of gas or a piece of real estate or a college education.