As a coach, it was not easy to take a contrary view to The Secret at the height of its popularity. Certainly, I could have ridden the wave of excitement over the "Law of Attraction," marketed myself as a "Law of Attraction Coach," and maybe made more money while the hype was at its peak.

I knew, however, that The Secret was part of an unhealthy American obsession with materialism over substance, of obsessive goal-setting over spiritual peace. I saw that Americans were getting over their heads in debt and getting wrapped up in the idea that they could have it all, if they just thought positively enough.

A dear friend of mine, who was the first person to introduce me to The Secret, became a subprime mortgage broker when the The Secret hit. He made a lot of money selling mortgages to people who probably couldn't afford them. Now our economy is on the verge of collapse due to these types of mortgages.

by Stephanie Brail

With uncertain economic times, and increasing pressure upon the middle class, it can be difficult not to worry about finances. Many helping professionals will offer outside solutions ranging from reducing your debt to increasing your wealth. Of course, it is important to learn how to manage your money effectively. But what is the number one sure-fire way to reduce your financial stress?

This may sound surprising, but it is you and your own attitude.

The reality is, life is going to be filled with stress. A great deal of this stress will invariably involve finances no matter what your level of income. A poor person worries about how to put food on the table. The rich person frets over a major investment that has tanked. The common denominator here is that stress exists across all income levels.