Great blog post on 9 steps to effective long-term financial management:
http://www.wesabe.com/blog/index.php/2006/10/17/what-hold-you-back/
Of those, my wife and I have accomplished three. We’re hard at work on the rest. I would actually add a few more to the list for us, since we’re relatively aggressive about pursuing long-term wealth:
10. Start a business
11. Buy and hold income real estate and other cash-producing assets
12. Give back to churches, charities, and communities with your money and your time. Don’t wait on this one until you accomplish 1-11. Start today.
10 and 11 may not be for you; they’re not for everyone. I would recommend 12 to everyone, though. Don’t give people less fortunate an excuse to hate you because of what you’ve been blessed with. Share the wealth.