Countless people write to me each week describing problems within their relationships which ultimately trace back to financial burdens. Arguments and stress over money, jobs, late bills, bad credit, and so on, are very common issues within many relationships today.

We must realize true happiness can never be found in "things" — cars, clothes, jewelry, a new house, or even money itself. If this is where you're looking for happiness and satisfaction, you're in for much disappointment and misery.

If paying for that new car in your garage is causing you stress and putting a burden on your family and relationships, the answer is simple — get rid of it! If your mortgage has a stranglehold on your budget, the answer isn't refinancing or second mortgages, etc., the real answer is selling it and buying something you can better afford. If credit card bills are killing you — cut up your cards, then find assistance if needed to organize your dept into one payment at a much lower interest rate.

The key is to stop buying into the notion that we need that new car, new house, fancy boat, etc., to be happy. It's simply a lie. I think many who have fallen into financial trouble know they need to make a radical change in their lifestyles and spending habits, but don't because they can't seem to give up those things which they have become accustom to.

If this sounds all too familiar, then I hope you'll find the courage to make the needed changes in your life and finances to rid yourself of these burdens once and for all. That new car in your garage can't give you love, nor will it ever provide you with true happiness, but it most certainly can destroy those things which really matter.