Guest Author - Cate Brizzell

Are you overwhelmed by your financial needs and goals? Does saving over a million dollars for retirement seem like a pipe dream? Do you think you'll never pay off your mortgage, or buy a car with cash, or take a nice vacation? What about college?

Have you ever thought, "Why bother? I'll never get there--I just don't have the money."

Let me encourage you. Those who reach their financial goals don't win the lottery or set aside large chunks of cash on a regular basis. They become wealthier every do by making small choices they lead to big results over time. And so can you.

The first thing financially independent folks do is plan. In their 20's, 30's or early 40's they write down all the financial goals they need to achieve: retirement, college, weddings, mortgage, vacations, home improvements, savings. Then they write down how much money they'll need to achieve each goal and how much time they have to save. From there, they simply calculate how much they need to save every payday or every month. There are literally dozens of excellent websites with tools and calculators available to help calculate how much money you'll need to achieve your goals, as well as the amounts you'll need to save each payday or month to reach those goals. Take advantage of them. This step shouldn't take you more than a weekend afternoon, and should be done in conjunction with your spouse, if applicable.

The next thing financially independent folks do is take action. But take note--we're not talking "big" actions here. Successful planners simply evaluate where they are compared to where they need to be, and then adjust. They put automated systems in place to ensure they will follow their plans, slowly but surely. They make changes to their current savings vehicles or set up new ones. They change amounts. They move investments around.

Even if you never do another thing to actively manage your money, setting up these systems and letting them work on their own each and every pay period or month will reap amazing results in just 10, 20 or 30 years' time.

Financially independent folks don't just take action on their savings and investments. They also take action in their daily lives with small choices and small steps that reap huge rewards. If they're spending $40 a week on lunches, they may calculate the value of reducing the lunch budget to $20 and saving the extra $20 a week. How much is $20 a week worth 30 years from now, at a modest investment rate of 8%? The answer: $131,141. That small choice to carry lunch another one or two days a week results in a pretty large chunk of wealth. Be willing to take small steps each day that will add to your bottom line.

Strive to have a long-term perspective when it comes to your money. Budget for short-term pleasure; plan for long-term wealth. You'll value your money more when you realize what it can do for you 20 or 30 years from now.

The third and final thing financially independent folks do is check their plan on a regular basis, at least annually. Take another weekend afternoon to evaluate your goals and your current system. Are you still saving and investing enough? Do your investments need to be adjusted based on performance and diversification? Remember that as you move closer to your financial goals you need to move investments further away from stocks and closer to fixed-income investments. Check with a fee-based financial planner if you aren't exactly sure what your diversification mix should be. The key point here is that you should regularly take stock of how you're doing in relation to where you're going.

It's crucial to put your goals and current saving and investment plans on paper, so when it's time to take stock, you remember exactly what it is you're doing!

There's a strange term out there called the "frustrated perfectionist". It's used to describe someone who wants everything to be just right, so they can guarantee success. If they don't feel a project can succeed, they never get started.

Don't be one of those people. Just get started. You'll find the momentum you create will surpass your greatest expectations. You'll see your wealth grow and grow, one day at a time.

As the popular saying goes, "How do you eat an elephant?" The answer: One bite a time.

So how do you create wealth? One choice and one day at a time. Go for it!