There is only one thing that differentiates you from the people who have the money you wish you had. It is not your skills, talents or your connections. It is your MINDSET.

What am I talking about when I say 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: Spending more than you make is habitual and money runs through your hands as quickly as it comes in purchasing things that you want rather than need. You think it is important to impress others with the material things you own. 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 look for ways to spend money, and spend time thinking about things you want to buy instead of taking action to pay off your debt and saving for your future financial survival. You are constantly worrying about money.

Genius: Paying yourself first by investing a portion of every dime that comes in the door for your future financial security is your first priority. You spend the rest of your money in ways that helps you produce more money for your financial survival. You methodically save money over time to buy the things you really need, and you pay cash. Credit cards are very rarely used, and they are paid off as soon as the statement arrives. You do not use your money to buy things to win popularity or impress others. You are never worried about money.

What separates the millionaires from normal people? Very little. 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 system to managing your finances the correct way. Very rich people know this method.

If you really desire to change your ways and convert from being a Gratification Groupie to a wealthy Genius and get on the road to winning your financial freedom, here is a simple formula the Genius uses to use the money when they receive it:

1 - Stash at least 10% into an savings plan for your future financial security. Increase this percentage as often as possible.

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

3 - Use at least 15% of your income to pay past due bills and pay off debt.

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

5 - Base your spending decisisons on NEED instead of WANT. Buy the things you need that contribute to your ability to produce more income. Buy used instead of new. The instant you buy something it loses up to 80% of it's value.

At the risk of repeating myself unnecessarily, I am going to make this one very important statement again. 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 professionals and families manage their income to reach their financial goals. To find out about the Money Management Software she created, watch the FREE 5-minute demo video on her website at www.MoneyMgmtSolutions.com