6. Read and then reread credit cardholder agreement a couple of times. Make sure that you understand all of jargon and if you don’t, find someone that does before you sign it. Review it closely to make sure that you are getting best deal possible. For instance, when evaluating deals, you should ask yourself these questions: a. How long does introductory rate last? b. What will be rate after teaser expires? c. What are cards annual fees? Can they be waived? d. Are there any transfer fees that you should be aware of? e. Are there any perks that are offered? (Ex. frequent flier miles, free gifts, etc).

7. Once you’ve decided on an offer, fill out your application fully and get it in mail as soon as you can.

8. Once you get offer, make sure that it is a 0% teaser rate and if it isn’t, then contact company right away. If they aren’t open to doing so then tell them that you’re cancelling card and look for another company that delivers what they promise. Your primary goal is avoid old “bait and switch” while simultaneously saving money on interest.

9. While waiting for your new card, make sure that you continue to pay on your old card to avoid glitches in your credit report and once you receive notification that transfer has been made, make sure you contact old company and make sure that they received payoff amount.

10. After teaser rate is up, don’t be afraid to jump from one credit card to another after teaser expires. You see, there is absolutely nothing wrong with surfing cards and taking advantage of 0% offers whenever you possibly can. Just keep finding and researching great deals.

That’s it my friend. Credit card transfers don’t have to be so confusing and daunting. If you follow above mentioned steps then you can and will win balance transfer rate and stop throwing your hard earned money down drain.

We aren't even touching on implications of eliminating or reducing your tax deduction and increasing your overall tax burden.

TO PAY OFF OR NOT TO PAY OFF , THAT IS THE QUESTION

Let's look at positive outcomes of paying off your mortgage versus keeping it.

You no longer have to make a mortgage payment to bank every month.

You might have less to pay at retirement. And that's about it. Now, notice I didn't say anything about myth that you finally "own" your home. In truth you never do, you always have to pay taxes on it and it is always at risk of loss through various means including but not limited to:

• Taxes

• Creditors

• Casualty Loss

In just about any analysis where someone is using money that they would otherwise use to pay down principal of their mortgage for other means of wealth creation, other 'means' come out ahead every time. The requirement here is to spurn our human instinct to consume and to use this money effectively.

Notice that this is key to wealth creation. If you can't conquer that human instinct nothing else matters. What this allows you to do is to use dollars you are already spending and inject them into system to your advantage.

The simple truth is that paying off your mortgage is purely an emotional decision that we have been trained to believe is what we are supposed to do, but if you understand implications of decision and can act accordingly, that choice is usually incorrect.

DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Now you say, this is just a clever trick by another mortgage guy trying to make money off of me. Well, typically consumers refinance every 3 years and many times that is because they need money . But clients who have invested that money into other elements of their financial plan are much less likely to refinance for need reasons.

People borrow for car expenditures, home improvements, college expenses, trips or to pay off that credit card debt they said they would never run up again. People who are planning for these expenses and finding tax preferred or tax free ways to fund them with money tied up in their home have little need to make decisions based on these "needs".

OK, GREAT . NOW WHAT

There are all kinds of different mortgage products and programs that can make a consumer's head spin. The important thing to keep in mind is that most of them are wrong on almost all levels. If you are looking for wealth creation a home is a great part of that plan if used correctly. That does NOT mean you go out a get an interest only ARM so you can buy a $400,000 house when you otherwise could only afford a $200,000 house.

For many families they want to invest in college savings. They want to have more than $50,000 in life insurance that their employer gives them. They want to protect against disability or job loss. They want so many things but don't know how to find it in pool of money that they currently have available. Does it mean they give up? Often, that is case but it doesn't have to be.

It means that you look at opportunities in equity that isn't doing anything for you now and put it to use along with reallocating dollars you are already spending. The mortgage vehicle you use is independent of this choice and only your situation will determine which one is best for you. For most this is all that is necessary to see a million dollar or more difference at retirement. For others who are closer to an age where you will cease to earn income it is necessary to change current spending habits along with these measures.

These ideas that I have very briefly touched on are ones that need to be explored on an individual and ongoing basis with a team of financial professionals who understand how to help make this work for you. This is not one of those "plans" with steps that you can follow from a book on your own and in 20 years a golden goose lays you some precious eggs. Coordinating 401(k), Roth IRA, investments, permanent life insurance, wills and trusts is something that needs much more discussion than is prudent here and frankly with people who are much more qualified to tell you than me.

It is time to think of your mortgage and your home as more than place where you and your family make great memories. If you allow it to work as part of a total responsible financial philosophy it can be an incredible wealth booster. With so many choices in all areas of finance it is imperative that you find a group of professionals that hold those same beliefs and values. Easier said than done, I know. I know because that is exactly what we have been doing for over a year in Columbus exclusively for our clients.

This, admittedly, is not for everyone and some of you might have even stopped reading by now because you think I am obviously out of my mind. That's ok, because changing that human instinct to hurry up and pay down a mortgage is difficult. But for those of you who have had their eyes opened, hopefully I have provided you with enough food for thought that you're starting to reconsider how your mortgage is working for you.