These days, it seems like we’re all keeping an eye on the bottom line and pinching pennies. These are certainly sobering manifestations of our tight economy.

Financial gurus, from Suze Orman to Dave Ramsey, all maintain that to build prosperity, you need to attract wealth. But do you have any idea how to turn affirmations into true financial wealth?

You might be surprised to learn that is more about the power of positive thinking than it is about money markets or the stock market. Let’s call it the Prosperity Principle.

The Prosperity Principle is an affirmation that calls you to believe in your ability to attract wealth. And just as it is with other tenets of the Laws of Attraction, it all starts with a belief in the power of you, and the many manifestations that stem from this truth.

Think of it this way. The only way to let wealth come to you is to be open to the possibility. You’re probably thinking, “Of course! I’m always open to a couple extra million!”

But if you’re so busy balancing budgets and chasing bargains, will that wealth know where to find you?

Try this: Hold out your hand and pretend you’re holding a dollar. You can close your hand around the dollar and hold it tightly in your fist.

Or, you can keep your hand open and let that dollar lie in the palm of your hand.

Now let’s say I’m going to hand you another dollar. How can you take this second dollar when your hand is wrapped tightly around the first?

Yet if your hand is open, you’re ready for the dollars to just keep coming. Wealth manifests itself.

Financial experts all agree that only with a free flow of money will lead to increased prosperity. They say charitable giving is an important part of a healthy budget.

Attracting wealth might not mean saving every cent and scrounging the bargain racks. It might involve opening up your wallet and buying a round of coffee for your workmates. If you listen to the Law of Attraction, precisely these actions will lead to good fortune and prosperity.

So for today, stop focusing on your pennies and try this: Count your blessings instead, and let your affirmations work their magic.