We all know that your morning latte is as likely to be your downfall as whatever may be your weakness in life, be it designer shoes or simply eating out.

While it is important to pay attention to the small stuff, this should not be at the expense of larger things in life. They say in Congress that numbers have a funny way of working with the mind. While many might look at Gates’ request for $190B and see the figure as absurd, such large figures are often hard to digest.

It’s only when it comes to every day items that we can really wrap our minds around the expenses that tax payers pony up on a regular basis. We can talk about billions in spending, but when it comes down to $50k for drapes we are suddenly appalled.

While we each play our part in sitting back and taking the spending that happens on our behalf, I’d invite you to take this lesson back home. What are the items in your budget that get wrapped up into the larger budget and are easily ignored? Whether it be the extra gadgets to go along with your new iPod, or another bill in a long line of expenditures, I encourage you to step back and look at the big picture and the small details. They both make a considerable difference to your bottom line.

Best,

Miel

MANAGE YOUR MONEY TOGETHER

Here are some simple guidelines for DINKS to build wealth:

1) Collaborate: Meet regularly to talk about money, set goals together, track and monitor them.

2) Understand and respect your partner. Take time to understand your partners values about money.

3) Watch the numbers. Get a budget, monitor your spending and track your net worth.

4) Max your retirement. Maximize contributions to your tax deferred retirement accounts.

5) Invest in stock. Stocks perform better than bonds or cash.

6) Avoid high interest debt. Credit cards and title loans are financial cancer.

7) Diversify. Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

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