We could all become financially successful if we simply changed the way we think. I don't think it is a stretch at all to say that thinking has changed drastically over the past thirty years. Credit cards are now prevalent, commercialism has even spread to the schools and advertisments bombard us at every corner.

It used to be that the main stream financial thought was to save up and then purchase. A few people had charge accounts with local department stores and such, but these were paid in full each month, or the person didn't dare show their face in the store until it was paid.

Nowadays, most of us simply buy now and worry about the payments later. This has led to massive credit card debt, rising bankruptcy numbers and even more credit companies popping up every day.

What we need is a change of thinking. And I believe that this is happening in many places. Especially among the young professional people. Here are a few changes that are being made:

1. Getting out of debt.

Instead of bragging about the big ticket items just purchased, many people are starting to brag about paying off the car loan, paying off the mortgage, being debt free, having no credit card debt, and so on. The bragging point comes in that so many people's lives are simply falling apart due to their spending and charging. A financially-free lifestyle is becoming the "in" thing among many crowds of people. Especially those that are young and investment savvy.

2. Saving for retirement.

Many young couples are seeing the increased seniors in the workplace and saying "not for me." They are investing in 401(k)s and other retirement accounts. Yet, not enough are really saving for retirement. The number saving may increase as they begin to see their parents struggle with too little in the retirement funds. And the added incentive of an early retirement is exciting to many young people.

3. Investments for the future.

Many younger people understand how interest works. All it takes is one bad go round with credit cards to really experience compounding interest. Many are taking this formally negative force and making it positive through investments. Savings, stocks, CDs and other investments are becoming increasingly popular as people change their thinking about investments. They aren't simply for the rich and upper class anymore. They are also for the up and coming generation.

You could sum it up as the new way of thinking should be: charge little, save more and invest for the future. Financial decisions cannot be made lightly. You must think before you accept the ideas that are around you. When everyone suggests you can simply charge it, you know better. You know that in charging it, you will have to work for many more years before you can retire. You know that while they may be working, you can be playing -- all because you changed your way of thinking about money now.