The basics of financial planning: learn how the game works and, more importantly, how to win it.

Do your eyes glaze over like a kid in church when you hear the words "financial planning"? Do you look at the stock market section in the newspaper and think, "what the hell do all these numbers and symbols mean, and why in (insert your deity of choice here) name am I even looking at them?" Do you skip the business section altogether and go straight to arts and entertainment? Does the thought of dealing with financial and business matters make you want to leap off the nearest bridge and end it all?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then more than likely you're an artist. A sensitive, rebellious, free-thinking anarchist, who would just as soon be tortured in the pit of despair than have to deal with the root of all evil: money.

Oh, sure, you want to make a lot of it. We know. Who doesn't? But "making" money and "dealing" with money are not necessarily synonymous. And let's face it, most artistic types would rather not have to "deal" with money or business matters at all. We hear it all the time: "Once I make it, then I'll think about it". Does this sound like you? Unfortunately, most artists, when they do finally make it, have not developed the skills necessary to handle their newfound success. Many, who suddenly find themselves flush with cash, hand over the details of their finances to a third party, who may or may not be looking out for their best interests. Now don't get us wrong, hiring professionals to handle the oftentimes complicated world of money and finances is probably a prudent thing to do, especially if you know nothing about it or need help with complex issues that require an expert. But all too often, artists relinquish too much control over their business affairs and suffer the consequences as a result.

We at The Pauper believe that for artists to survive and thrive in the 21st century, they not only need to be skilled at their chosen craft, but be business savvy as well. Gone are the days when artists get taken advantage of by unscrupulous businessmen. Gone are the days of the artist as an easy target. The new artist will be in control of all aspects of their career, including their money.

In the following sections, we will be teaching you the basics of financial planning. We will be teaching you how the game works and, more importantly, how to win it. Consider it money 101 for the artistically advantaged (or the monetarily disadvantaged if you prefer). Each section is broken down into a manageable, Reader's Digest-like format, written in easy to understand language, so that you can come back anytime and pick up where you left off, or re-read any section at your leisure.