FINANCIAL SUCCESS is fundamentally a carefully executed strategy. Opportunities surface every day but few recognise them, or are nimble enough to capitalise on them. Almost always, one's ability to grab the opportunities is a function of lifestyle. Planning plays a critical role in aligning one's lifestyle along a path for success, but execution is almost always the critical success factor. Because wealth does not wait to be claimed, but rather waits to be created, you are able to create wealth when you position for success!

TITHE WITH YOURSELF

The biblical principle of tithing is particularly useful for persons pursuing a financial goal. In the same way Christians dedicate 10 per cent of their salaries to the Lord, so should you dedicate at least 10 per cent of your salary to yourself. This should be a 'religious' monthly allotment to build up one's investment pool, which in turn puts you in a unique position to snatch opportunities as they surface. Your willingness to save is a function of your discipline, not your income.

ACQUIRE SOME INCOME-GENERATING ASSETS

Focus on purchasing income generating assets, and not those possessions that pull on your income (those are actually liabilities). While utility cannot be easily quantified, as a rule, one should focus on purchasing assets that generate or facilitate the generation of income. So instead of changing that fairly reliable motor car for a 'better looking one', you should consider using the additional funds to add more to your investment holdings.

DATE WISELY

Dating can certainly make you or break you, so date only financially stable and independent individuals. Your lifestyle during dating, if uncontrolled, will certainly cut into your budget ­ especially if you accept the financial responsibility of the relationship. It is important that you explain your personal goals to your partner and ensure that your partner is equally disciplined.

EXIT YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Fear is the enemy of your financial advancement. Fear will naturally surface when you exit your comfort zone but it need not be paralysing. Employ the expertise of a financial analyst and an investment advisor when navigating through the various investment avenues. A range of options exist to suit your economic circumstance, financial objectives and risk profile. By diversifying your funds among the many new and exciting forms of investments, you create the opportunity to expand your wealth.

Your progress along the path of success depends on your ability to align your lifestyle with your goals. At a minimum, one must save and invest with continuous discipline. In addition, one should pursue avenues for entrepreneurship that promise to expand income streams. Of course, most of this cannot be done from inside your comfort zone or with financially-saddling individuals.

To further discuss investing and the many options we have available, contact DB&G at info@mydbg.com or toll free at 1-888-CALL DBG.