Have you ever felt as if your money is working against you, rather than for you? Do you dream of retiring wealthy, but don't have a clue how to make that a reality? You can turn your dream of financial security into a reality by choosing to be smart with your money and making your money work for you!

#1 - Set Financial Goals

Someone once said that the difference between those who are rich and those who are not rich is only an ability to take a dream and make it real. Mastering your money enables you to turn your dreams into a reality. Remember, your money has a purpose ... to work for you! Decide what your financial goals are in terms of earning, saving and investment, and start thinking about what steps you need to take to work toward those goals.

#2 - Live Within Your Means

These four words are especially challenging for many, especially when we're surrounded by an instant gratification society. Keep this in mind: instant gratification always has a price. Most likely, that price will cost you the ability to reach the financial goals you've set for yourself; or at the very least it will slow you down a bit. Take this time proven advice to heart: "If you don't have it, don't spend it." Use your credit cards only if you can pay them off each month.

#3 - Get on a Budget and Stay There

In many people's eyes, a budget is on par with torture, imprisonment, and even death. Nothing could be further from the truth, because a budget is your key to a secure financial future - your freedom! How do you determine your budget? It's as easy as 1-2-3. Add together your net income, then add together your expenses being sure to separate into specific categories (e.g., housing, groceries, insurance, car, debt, etc.).

Next, subtract your expenses from your net income. If you're spending more money than you earn, it's time to get serious and cut your expenses. Determine how much you need to decrease your costs and/or increase your income to meet the financial goals you've set for yourself.

#4 - Pay Yourself First

Being smart with your money is saving a part of everything that you earn, no matter how much or how little you earn. It doesn't seem right to work at least eight hours a day only to give it all away to mortgage, insurance, utilities payments, and so forth. Consider savings to be a payment to yourself - a high priority!

You may find it easier and less tempting to build your savings through automatic payroll deductions made directly to your savings account. Those individual payments to yourself will add up and help you to reach your financial goals! So, remember to pay yourself first. If you don't, debt will be a way of life.

#5 - Put Your Money to Work

The money that you put aside for yourself needs to be put to work. Put it where you can't get your hands on it easily, because if you can then you probably will. Do the necessary research before investing and keep this goal in mind: to make money - 24 hours a day, seven days a week - from the money you already have. Even while you sleep, your money will gather momentum and grow over time.

#6 - Get Out of Credit Card Debt

Last but not least, get out of debt so that your money can work harder for you sooner. The average individual in the United States has at least $5,000 to $6,000 in credit card debt, and that amount is increasing.

To get out of debt, you must take action! Getting yourself on a budget and living within your means are the best places to start. And once you are out of debt, stay out of debt so that your money can work for you - not against you.