Much of the material found in the following Eight Steps to Financial Planning was excerpted from Charles B. Carlson's new book "Eight Steps to Seven Figures." Click here to purchase this, or any other book by Charles B. Carlson.

Step #1 — Start Saving and Investing NOW!

Step #2 — Have A Specific Goal

Step #3 — To Create Wealth, Buy Stocks. To Preserve Wealth, Buy Bonds.

Step #4 — Keep Your Money In Play

Step #5 — Invest Regularly, Preferably Every Month

Step #6 — Buy And Hold . . . And Hold . . . And Hold . . . And Hold

Step #7 — Take What Uncle Sam Gives You

Step #8 — Avoid Shocks to Your Finances

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