“The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has power. Facing truth really will set you free.” Oprah Winfrey

Here’s another installment in ongoing story of me facing challenges of parenthood. My daughter, a recently graduate from high school, set out with a group of girlfriends on a 3-month cross country expedition. A post high school dream: to travel across country with no agenda and no expectations other than to experience life as it unfolds.

It might sound like a great idea, and as her mom, I might sound calm to you now as I tell you about this trip, but believe me, I didn’t start there.

It all began after a long, arduous decision process to delay her entrance to college. I of course wanted her to benefit from opportunities college affords, but she said she needed a break from academic rigors and wanted some time to “find herself”.

In theory, I agreed with her. A lot of young people take time off between high school and college; yet, I still found myself attached to wanting her somewhere “safe” and getting on with business of taking her place in world. Finally, after much debate and internal process, I was able to let go and support idea of her taking time to begin her adulthood. And truthfully, deep down, I knew it could be a life changing opportunity for her.

So, on coattails of college delay decision she decided to go on road trip. When she left I got afraid. Taking a year off is one thing, but going on a risky trip with limited resources without a plan is another!

1 - First and forement, repsect your money always. This may sound like an odd concept, but I assure you, it is not. Money is money, whether or not it is one penny, one dollar bill, or a one million dollar check. Money is not root of all evil so there is no reason to fear it. Money cannot buy you happiness - it can only buy you things. Once you understand that money has its own energy - neither good or evil - and it takes on energy you bring to it, then you can begin to accumulate more of it in your life.

2 - Tithe first 10%. Notice that only one thing comes before tithing - respect. You may not be religious or spiritual (and frankly, you don’t have to be), but tithing (or sharing) your income with an open and willing heart can pay for itself tenfold. Remember when you share with others, you are bringing light into their world and if everyone shared a little light, there wouldn’t be any darkness. Be careful where you tithe to as well, share with a place that is known for sharing with others - your church, your community center, your favorite research foundation - idea is to share as much as possible.

3 - Pay yourself next 10%. This doesn’t actually mean give yourself a paycheck per se, it means put money in a savings account. Once you start saving your money, you begin to accumulate wealth, but save wisely - make sure you are getting a great interest rate. If you’re daring, I would suggest joining Motley Fool Investment Community and investing in long term stocks - Sharebuilder offers an awesome value for novice invester.