When the first Chinese arrived in America, they were literally searching for gold. Today, the goal is no different. However, instead of gold, the rush is for cash, real estate, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. With new financial options available to the modern Chinese, the age old challenge remains. So long as you have a piece of gold in one hand, someone will try to charm, sucker or connive it away from you.

Learn how to protect what you earn, then learn how to grow and invest it. If you do use credit cards, learn how to spot the pitfalls of different accounts. Find credit cards that charge you low interest rates and fees if you maintain a revolving balance. And, while you are using your credit card, why not find one that either pays you money back or offers frequent flyer miles you can use for your next trip.

If you invest in stocks or mutual funds, study the different investment options available to you. Learn how to reduce your investment costs and, if you have an investment advisor, understand how his interest may conflict with yours. Only then can your investments grow instead of being anchored down by constant, heavy fees whether or not your investments are doing well.