Best Advice

Don't get too good at the wrong stuff

Timothy Ferriss. Author, "The Four-Hour Workweek"

Ferriss says that Professor Ed Zschau at Princeton University gave him a short but powerful piece of advice after he had volunteered for the second time to clean erasers and place name placards on desks before class.

He said with a smile, "Don't get too good at the little things" and explained that if you excel at the menial tasks, those are the responsibilities people will associate you with and give you. Get noticed for doing things that help the big picture, not for fetching coffee, and your financial picture will grow just as fast as your reputation.

Live within your means

Olivia S. Mitchell. Director, Boettner Center for Pensions and Retirement Research, The Wharton School

Mitchell says her parents taught her to, "Save your money first and get used to living on what's left over." She says the advice has served her well throughout her life.