“Always do what you are afraid to do.” I believe in living this motto from Ralph Waldo Emerson because pursuing our dreams often involves doing what we fear most.

My financial spring cleaning happens early in the year as I prepare to file taxes. That’s when I go through my folder that contains the various documents I’ve accumulated for tax time. If you’re like me, you’re not perfectly organized either. In fact, after reading about all the different accounts you need for financial fitness, you might think, “You talk about all these accounts… What’s the simplest version I can assemble of that?”

We need predictability in our lives, because too many changes and surprises can be unsettling. Irregular income and out-of-the-ordinary expenses are two financial factors that can throw us off kilter—unless, that is, we learn how to manage the unpredictable rollercoaster of uneven cash flow.

Usually, it's taboo to talk about your money. Managing your finances is traditionally a solo pursuit. Most people are uncomfortable discussing their finances also because it’s very personal, like telling others what they weigh. However, plenty of research indicates that sharing your goals with others increases the likelihood that you’ll achieve those goals—financial or otherwise. As the video in today’s blog shows, Wealth Gathering is a great way to get support for achieving your financial fitness goals.

To get in better physical shape, you usually set a goal that gives your workouts purpose. Likewise, if you want to achieve financial fitness, it helps to have a specific goal. The goal should be a compelling reason to sweat it out in your financial fitness program. We call this your “purpose goal” because it motivates you to change, to save and to stretch yourself. Today’s blog includes a video to help you learn about financial goal-setting the Wealth Gathering way.

Did you ever get really good at a game, then the rules change? As 2012 gets started, you might be considering rebalancing the investments in your employer-sponsored retirement plan, often referred to as a 401(k) or 403(b). If you've been reading my Easy Investing 101 blogs, you’re ready to apply what you've learned—but wait! The rules have changed, and your employer's plan doesn't offer all those index mutual funds I talked about.

It’s New Year’s resolution time. We look back at what we’ve eaten, what we’ve spent and what we’ve done—or not done—and something’s got to change! For most of us, our efforts will involve improving our behavior around our health and our wealth. Physical fitness and financial fitness are similar in that many of the same characteristics and strategies apply to both. That’s good news for the out-of-shape body and bank account.

Early in our relationship, my wife and I had a regular Sunday evening date helping prepare and serve meals for homeless teens at a local shelter. At first we did it because it was the right thing to do. Soon we started looking forward to these evenings because helping the teens made us feel good. They were so appreciative, and it was obvious we made a positive difference in their difficult lives. Another plus was that the experience strengthened our connection as a couple. Needless to say, the only cost was gas money to get to the shelter!

Humans are an optimistic breed. We believe we can defy the odds and control our own destinies. When we’re told that about half of all marriages end in divorce, we’re still convinced we’ll live happily ever after. When we’re told that 80% of new businesses fail, we’re confident our startup will be the one in five that survives. When we’re told we’re more likely to be struck by lightning than win the lottery, we say, “Well, somebody has to win!”

I hope you’ve been enjoying my Easy Investing 101 blog series and the important investing principles I’ve outlined. In today’s blog, I’ve assembled the key techniques in one place, taking a top-down, concept-by-concept approach.