"You must recognize, embrace, and be honest about what is real for you today and allow that understanding to inform the choices you make. Only then will you be able to build the future of your dreams."

"Never, ever invest money that you will need prior to three to five years - minimum."

"Here's my gift-giving rule: Respect your current financial situation."

"We never had it as rough as the kids have it today. Look at the price of a gallon of gas or a piece of real estate or a college education."

"A lack of realism in the vision today costs credibility tomorrow."

"An idea is a delicate seed; water it with curiosity and protect it from cynicism. Reflect upon this whenever doubt clouds your horizon — an essential principle for the reflective life."

"It is a essential truth that the canvas of imagination has no boundaries except those imposed by fear."

"A retired teacher paid $62,000 towards her pension and nothing, yes nothing, for full family medical, dental and vision coverage over her entire career. What will we pay her? $1.4 million in pension benefits and another $215,000 in health care benefit premiums over her lifetime."