Achieving financial freedom is a dream for most people, but few make the dream become reality. The following are 10 key habits that help pave the way.

A general desire for "financial freedom" is too vague of a goal. What does it mean to you? Write down how much you should have in your bank account, what the lifestyle entails and at what age this should be achieved. The more specific your goals, the higher the likelihood of achieving them. Then, count backward to the current situation and establish financial mileposts at regular intervals. Write it all down neatly, and put the goal sheet at the very beginning of your financial binder.

Making a monthly household budget, and sticking to it, is the best way to ensure all bills are paid and savings are on track. It is also a monthly routine that reinforces your goals and bolsters resolve against the temptation to splurge.

Credit cards and similar high-interest consumer loans are toxic to wealth-building. Make it a point to pay off the full balance each month, and cancel any cards save for one or two. Student loans, mortgages and similar loans typically have much lower interest rates, making them less of an emergency to pay off.

Pay yourself first. Enroll in your employer's retirement plan and make full use of any matching-contribution benefit. It is also wise to have an automatic withdrawal for an emergency fund, with at least two to three months' living expenses, that can be tapped for unexpected expenses and an automatic contribution to a brokerage account or similar account. Ideally, the money should be pulled the same day you receive your paycheck so it never even touches your hands, avoiding temptation entirely.

A braggart neighbor showing off a new car or his latest smartphone is no reason to do the same. Smile politely, nod, and take comfort knowing your reward is coming tenfold in the future.

A person's credit score determines what rate is offered when buying a new car or refinancing a home. It also impacts seemingly unrelated things, such as car insurance and life insurance premiums. The reasoning is a person with reckless financial habits is also likely to be reckless in other aspects of life such as driving and drinking. This is why it is important to get a credit report at regular intervals to ensure there are no erroneous black marks ruining your good name.

Many Americans are hesitant to negotiate for goods and services, worrying it makes them seem cheap. Overcome this cultural handicap and you could save thousands each year. Small businesses, in particular, tend to be open to negotiation, where buying in bulk or repeat business can open the door to good discounts.

Review all applicable changes in the tax laws each year to ensure all adjustments and deductions are maximized. Keep up with financial news and developments in the stock market, and do not hesitate to adjust your investment portfolio accordingly. Knowledge is also the best defense against those who prey on unsophisticated investors to turn a quick buck.

Taking good care of property makes everything from cars and lawn mowers to shoes and clothes last longer. Since the cost of maintenance is a fraction of the cost of replacement, it is an investment not to be missed.

The principle of proper maintenance also applies to the body. Some companies have limited sick days, making it a notable loss of income once those days are used up. Obesity and ailments make insurance premiums skyrocket, and poor health may force earlier retirement with lower monthly income.