Blacksburg resident Clare Levison is a Certified Public Accountant. E-mail her with questions or comments. Self-Help is a weekly feature written by guest columnists on various topics, including finance, fitness and nutrition. If there is a topic you would like to see, e-mail us.

Take a few minutes and write down what you believe to be your greatest asset. What did you come up with? Your house? Your car? Your pension?

Now write down what you believe to be your greatest liability. What was your response? Your mortgage? Your car loan? Your credit card debt?

I'm going to let you in on another little financial secret. The answer to both of those questions is you. That's right. You are your greatest asset. You are your greatest liability.

Begin investing in yourself the way you would in your savings account, your home, or your 401k. Your intangible assets -- things like your knowledge, your skills and your determination -- are what will truly transform you financially.

Ask yourself, what can I do to increase my income? Are you giving your job 110 percent each day to put yourself in the best possible position for raises and promotions? Are you giving your customers 110 percent each day so that word will spread and your business will grow?

Set a goal. Commit to doing at least one thing each month to improve your income potential. Perhaps there is additional training or coursework you could take. Maybe you could get some financial education.

Your finances are limited only by you, and that is why you are also your greatest liability. Whether you have squandered your assets, not taken the steps necessary to increase your income, or chosen to live financially uneducated the choice has been yours. The thing holding you back is you.

Don't be your own worst enemy. If you are capable of earning an income, you are capable of earning a better income. Then you must make good decisions. If you can do those things, you will be well on your way to financial success.