Our main objective with this book is to show you that you do, in fact, have control over your financial future. Sure, the stock market, interest rates, and the overall economy play a role in how quickly and how safely you achieve your goals. But too many people rely too heavily on these outside forces for their own financial stability. We want to show you how you can run your own finances, making adjustments as required when economic conditions - or your goals - change. The nice thing about being in charge is that, instead of having to roll with the economy's punches, you can look for the signs that telegraph those punches and revise your own strategy accordingly.