There is only one thing that differentiates you from those who have the money you always wanted to have. It is not your skills, talents or your connections. It is your MINDSET.

What do I mean about mindset? The way you handle your money immediately tells me if you are a Genius or a Gratification Groupie. Here is how I define those terms.

Gratification Groupie: Overspending is habitual and cash runs through your hands as fast as it arrives purchasing stuff that you want but do not actually need. You think your material possessions can be used to impress others. You follow the crowd and do what they do - shop, shop, shop, spend, spend, spend. You may give the appearance of having money, but you are drowning in debt that you cannot pay off. You actively search for ways to spend your money, and spend your time deciding on things you would like to buy instead of taking action to pay off your debt and investing in your long-term financial survival. You are always worrying about money.

Genius: Paying yourself first by stashing away a portion of every dime that comes in the door for your long-term financial security is a first priority. You use the rest of your money in ways that helps you make more income for your financial survival. You methodically set money aside over time to buy the things you really need, and you use cash. Credit cards are seldom used, and the balances are paid off as soon as the statement shows up in the mailbox. You do not use your money to buy things to impress others or win popularity. You never worry about money.

What sets apart the millionaires from normal people? Not much. The only real difference is how they use their money when it comes in.

You see, It is not how much money you make, it is what you do with it that determines your financial condition. There is a simple method to managing your finances the correct way. Very rich people know this system.

If you really desire to change your ways and convert from being a Gratification Groupie to a wealthy Genius and reach the goal of being financially free, here is the formula the Genius uses to manage the money when they make it:

1 - Put a minimum of 10% into an savings plan for your long-term financial security. Increase this percentage over time.

2 - Starting today, pay cash for everything. Stop buying on credit.

3 - Use at least 15% of every dollar you earn to pay off debt and past due bills.

4 - Pay cash for your current necessities like rent, utilities, and telephone.

5 - Base your spending decisisons on NEED rather than WANT. Buy the items you need that increase your ability to make more money. Buy used instead of new. The instant you buy something it loses up to 80% of it's value.

Just in case you missed the importance of this one fact, I am going to repeat it. It is not how much money you make, it is what you do with it that determines your financial condition.

Sandra Simmons, President of Money Management Solutions, has years of experience helping business owners and individuals manage their income to reach their financial goals. To learn more about the Money Management Software she created, watch the FREE 5-minute demo video on her website at www.MoneyMgmtSolutions.com