"Allison shared her thoughts on why so many people are challenged when it comes to building wealth: * They're playing the game of comparisons by using social cues to decide what's important and how they compete with others. "Parents especially can be so competitive," she says. * "People need to face the reality of where they are." In other words, gaining an awareness and appreciation of your financial situation can lead to realistic decisions about how to move forward. * They think small decisions do not have consequences. Allison learned to appreciate the compounding power of small decisions as she worked in the below-freezing chill of the Midwest to earn money."