Financial success is about more than just how much you save versus how much you spend. To be truly successful and prosperous you have to develop a healthy relationship with money. Goals can help define and create structure in this valuable relationship.

The first step in the goal setting process is to be aware of your current situation and attitudes about money. You must learn to trust yourself and life to give you what you need. With money comes power, and this can create problems for people who are overly controlling or people who fear power because they think it will change who they are. Develop a personal reason for wanting to become more successful that goes beyond the obvious (safety, security, happiness) such as improving self worth or creating personal boundaries. Just like a love relationship, value what money gives you, communicate openly, and spend time learning and educating yourself about money.

The next step is to dream. We call this the "Great Result", and you must be able to envision and imagine all possibilities. Use your mind to creatively build your ideal world and allow no limits. What does it look like? How does it feel?

If you need, help try this simple exercise: Write down what you want and what you don't want. Keep the exercise light and playful and allow it to grow. Once you get your dream envisioned, put it into words. "I am debt free. I have a life of beauty and simplicity, and I engage in enriching relationships. I am abundant. I am wealthy."

The third step is to build a system. Intentional organization delivers the "Great Result", which is the mechanics behind your dream. The system has to be built by you and personalized. Write down bite-sized chunks of repeatable action. Gather tools and people for support; talk to a financial advisor, take classes or hire a coach.

Don't worry about where to start; start where you are. Focus on one thing at a time.

Is "making a living" actually killing you? Does your job feel like a downward spiral into a fragmented life with broken relationships? Do you spend more than you earn? Millions of Americans are wheeling around in this vicious cycle. This book teaches how to get out of debt and save money; value life over material possessions; match your values to your livelihood; and help the environment while saving money.

Dominguez and Robin have you start by calculating exactly how much you make per hour. Consider all the time and money you spend on work (prep and unwind time, commute, clothing, meals). Track EVERY single dollar you spend, and convert those into hours of life energy. Example: You find that you actually make $5 per hour. Take the amount you spend on latte's per month ($60) and divide that by your hourly income. That's 12 hours of life energy!

Does the fulfillment you get from that life energy fit in with your vision and life's purpose? Spending money only on things that make you truly happy will make your job feel more rewarding because you increase your quality of life.

The "magical" step occurs when capital income surpasses your monthly expenses. At this point you are financially independent and will no longer need work to live. Fulfillment will come from doing what you most innately desire. The key is to become a knowledgeable and informed long-term investor. The authors encourage you to have faith in yourself and to use common sense when investing.

This book breaks the commonly held assumption that you must bring in a six-figure income in order to enjoy life to its fullest. Simplify your existence by only trading life energy for things that truly bring you happiness and contribute to your purpose.