Thanks everyone - the accolades are what's humbling here <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" /> .
The response to this thread has been outstanding so I won't feel like I'm squandering my time by creating a "BOB" thread. This will take some time though, as my BOB is more comprehensive than my GHB.
I would also recommend that you look up my "sister" GHB thread at the Swamp, because many valuable questions have been addressed there.
The fact that you're all getting interested in PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY (ie - Big Bro is NOT going to be there to save you) is totally awesome. The following info is taken from a comment I made in my thread over at SwampRat's RatChat forum, but the content is applicable to those of you starting out (or refining your plans)....