We learned in school how the first settlers of the island that is now known as Manhattan traded what has become the most valuable piece of real estate on the planet for nothing more than a few flashy trinkets. And, like beads for Manhattan, a lot of our spending accomplishes nothing more than robbing us of our potential to build financial security and the peace of mind that goes with it. Of course, we all have real expenses and the reason we work is to support our lifestyle. However, almost all of us indulge in a little or a lot of absolutely unnecessary and, even, wasteful spending. And by reducing or, even, eliminating unnecessary and wasteful spending much of your potential can be recaptured. How many times have you taken money out of the ATM and two or three days later it's gone and you can't remember where? Too many of us spend too much money in this sort of unconscious state. Money enters and leaves our life as if it had intentions of its own. Why do we allow this to happen? Often it is simply because we spend without giving it much thought. We are in a store when something, some trinket or another, catches our eye and out comes the plastic. And spending like that often takes place without any consideration as to whether or not we really need what it is we are buying, whether or not the purchase is in our own best interest, or if we can even afford it! It is almost as if spending has become a reflex action triggered by some impulse beyond our control. But it is possible to spend thoughtfully and with more awareness. In fact, it is absolutely necessary to do so if you are ever to capture the full potential of your income. But that higher level of awareness can only take place when you spend with a purpose-when you spend within the context of what you plan to achieve. Thoughtful spending dictates that you have a plan for every dollar that enters your life. Without a plan it is all too easy for money to simply slip through our fingers, unaccounted for. Your goals are what enable you to manage your money within the context of what you aim to achieve. Without goals, your spending is simply without direction. The Seven Steps detailed in this book are, in fact, seven individual financial goals that, together, are the foundation of how money is thoughtfully managed.