If planning your future entails uncovering the secret to scratch-off lotto tickets, then perhaps you should redirect your energy to something more constructive. While vowing to drink only during Happy Hour has saved some pocket change, if you could figure out how to open your own bar, then beers are aways free. So whether you're looking to become the next nightlife tycoon, start a fledgling T-shirt business, or open a Risky Business-style establishment, for those not lucky enough to be trust-fund babies, follow along for psychoPEDIA’s dispatches from the financial frontlines:

Most of us have dreamed of leaving our cubicle behind to have a boss we can respect–- namely, ourselves. If that entrepreneurial spirit burns inside you, you’ll need to hatch a business plan and raise some capital. A great idea is only going to take you so far unless it’s accompanied by some foresight and a solid strategy. Recognizing that small businesses create the backbone for our country’s economy, organizations like Score and SBDC exist to provide financial advice for little or no cost. Additional NYC-specific resources include the SBS, where you can find out about incentives in place for helping minority and female-owned companies as well.

With the initial research completed, and having convinced friends that your venture will be more significant than the Segway (or Amway), it’s time to seek funding for your enterprise. An institutional loan is your safest bet. It’s best to find a bank that already deals with other businesses in your chosen industry and whenever possible, get a referral from an established customer. If your idea of dressing up is wearing jeans without holes, consider digging through your closet and dusting off an old high school graduation outfit, because looking the part is as important as outlining your path to success. To that end, make sure all paperwork is filled out completely and accurately. Banks want to be assured that you’re a low-risk proposition, so be prepared to answer how much money you’re going to need, what it will specifically be used for and a realistic time frame for paying it back. Though you may not be approved for your first, second, or third loan, don’t get discouraged. Ask questions and continue developing your pitch. Chances are good that if you believe in your undertaking enough, somebody else will too.

Sometimes, you don’t want to wait for the day your business can finance an entire trip to Aruba. Therefore, credit is perfect for those instances when you don’t need a full-fledged loan, but still need money for your lunch. It’s the nature of card companies to start you with a low limit while they track your spending, payments, and establish a customer history. During this six-month to year-old trial, it’s important to make payments on time and whenever possible, pay above the minimum, setting good habits and laying the groundwork for increasing credit line. Once they’re in place, all you have to do is ask. By steadily growing this limit, you add purchasing power without having to carry multiple cards. This simple strategy will also help to positively impact your all-important credit score. Credit utilization refers to your debt-to-credit ratio. The lower this percentage, the better for your overall standing, meaning that carrying a $500 balance on a card with a $1000 limit is more advantageous to holding the same balance on a card with a limit of $600.

If your current mode of transport is tandem bicycle with a basket on the front, you might consider trading up for an actual vehicle to get you to important business meetings. When adding a car to your budget, the first decision is to lease or buy. Leasing means agreeing to pay for a vehicle for a specified number of months (24, 36 or 48), where you must stick out the contract to the end or face stiff penalties. Monthly payments are lower than when buying because you’re only responsible for the portion of the vehicle’s value that you “use” during that time. Making a down payment to further decrease your monthly costs is recommended, but not required. Though you won’t acquire equity in terms of ownership at the end, many experts feel that investing the money you save with lower monthly outlay can be more beneficial ultimately to your financial well-being. In general, leasing is associated with short-term savings, while buying is linked to long-term gains. And if you’re still at a loss understanding the best personalized option, you can visit Lease Guide for more information.

As every good entrepreneur needs a decked-out base for relaxing and inviting clients over, the final step is to acquire a nice space to come home to. Though sending in a monthly rent check feels like watching your hard-earned dollars getting sucked down the drain, for most living in squalor in Williamsburg loft, the idea of owning a home seems well out of reach. In an effort to demystify the quest, Home Buying for Hipsters has entered the fray, offering free advice on the art and business of owning property for the legions of uninformed that believe wisdom is best dispensed when seated belly-up to a bar. Arrive early to ensure ample time for your questions and consider holding off on the PBR until later that night.

~Scott Lachut