How do you treat money? What are your thoughts about it? If you value something, you treat it with respect, right? Well do you value your money then? Or do you treat it recklessly, spending it whenever you feel like it?

Your attitude towards your money determines how you handle it.

Money is supposed to serve you, to meet your needs and the needs of others. If you use it unwisely though, it won't do what it's supposed to do for you. You actually repel money when you use it the wrong way.

Your money is a valuable seed that can yield you great financial harvests if you sow it properly.

Money is energy, and if you wish to attract more of it, you must become money-conscious, and intelligent. Educate yourself about money and how it works, then act on what you learn.

A key to financial freedom is to save a portion of your income and invest what you save. That way your money goes to work on your behalf, yielding you returns while you pursue other interests. Saving and investing shows that you value your money. Your money will in return, 'reward' you by growing and being enough to meet your needs.

Can't think of where to get the money to save?

Why not try this: stop buying things on impulse. What things, you say?

How about magazines, newspapers, cigarettes, snacks, buying lunch instead of packing lunch from home. Do you really need to have that CD single? Now I'm not asking you to deny yourself of these things. Just that you should budget for them. Factor them into your plans when you get your income.

Another key to your financial freedom is to give away a portion of it to the less fortunate. Remember how I said that money was energy? Well, when you give it away, you are operating from a place of abundance, and you attract even more abundance to yourself.

As John D. Rockefeller put it, whenever you receive any money,

. Give the first 10% to God or charity

. Pay yourself

. Save 10%

. Live within your means

. Account for every penny

Point is,if you look hard enough, you'll find ways to reduce unneccessary spending and increase your saving and giving. Make these two activities a habit (and ideally make all the above tips from Mr Rockefeller habits).

Value your money. Recognize its worth. Educate yourself about it. Treat it with respect, and you will reap great financial benefits.

Dr Kem Thompson is a Wealth & Success Coach, Speaker, Author. She teaches individuals how to create wealth with integrity, and achieve true financial freedom. Financial freedom starts with financial intelligence, so begin your education by signing up for the FREE newsletter, 'Reset Your Wealth' here: http://www.resetyourwealth.com