» "A ""tightwad"" vacation -- Smart tips for traveling well and wisely "

"1. Go in with another family and split the costs of a rental home. You'll also get a kitchen, which can help you save money on some meals so you can splurge on other things. "

» "Home, sweet home "

"Save money by keeping your home well-maintained: Check furnace filters monthly for excess dust. Change filters once or twice a year. Schedule a home-energy audit, if available, with you utility company. "

» "The check is in the mail, really "

"If you frantically dash to the utility company to pay your bill on its due date or forget to send in a credit card payment on time, you're wasting time and/or money. "

» $1 = lifelong lesson

"Here's an easy way to explain finances to kids. It only takes four quarters. The lesson is simple, but gives kids a way to better understand the value of a dollar and money management in general. "

» 5 tips to avoid money squabbles with your partner

Figure out what's important. Communicate openly and honestly. Join and separate. Pay expenses proportionately. Create a cash cushion.

» 6 tips for paying off holiday bills

"Here are six tips to get holiday debt paid off: Beat the minimum. Save $1 a day plus loose change. After a month, you'll have about $40 more to add to your monthly payment. "

» 7 steps to six (or seven) figures

"1. Stay healthy - Chronic health problems (e.g. diabetes) and obesity often are associated with less wealth. Reasons include medical expenses and reduced productivity. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and quit smoking. "

» 9 issues to discuss before you tie the knot

"Whether you're getting married for the first time or remarrying, these questions can help you focus on how you'll manage money. Have each partner write down answers separately and then discuss the responses. "

» 9 steps to downsize your debt

"Would you like to be setting money aside for your future but instead find yourself juggling debt and trying to make your dollars stretch from month to month? It happens, and to a lot of us. "

» Before Mom and Dad move in

"If you're thinking about having aging parents live with you, there are financial factors you should consider before you call the moving truck. "

» Borrowing money from friends or family

"Follow these three rules: 1. Present a plan. Propose a monthly repayment schedule that includes the interest rate, length, and even late fees. If you have collateral to back up the loan you should offer that as security the loan will be paid back. "

» Calling in the professionals

If you're planning to hire a financial planner: Hire someone with special credentials (such as Certified Financial Planner or Personal Financial Specialist).

» Common investing errors couples can avoid

"Too many accounts. It's easy for things to get out of control if accounts are spread over several banks, brokerages, and financial institutions. "

» Compulsive buying

"If you struggle to pay your bills and repeatedly buy things you can't afford, don't need, or never use, you may be a compulsive buyer. Some steps you can take that may help get your spending under control: 1. Acknowledge you have a problem. "

» Cutting health care costs

Are health costs taking a bigger chunk of your income this year? Fight back with six money-saving tips: Focus on prevention. Good health habits can reduce the risk of costly medical problems.

» Debt danger zone

10 signs you could be in for financial trouble.

» Family finances

"National Family Literacy Day is in November. Why not extend it to financial family literacy with the ideas below, which can also work for single people and couples without children. "

» Fiscally and fashionably fit

"Here's how to look good, be comfortable, and not spend a fortune when you exercise. First, determine a budget, buy the best clothing and equipment you can, spend the majority of your budget on key pieces for your chosen activity. "

» Get the most out of your money with these smart-saver tips

"Dollars and sense. 1. Take fewer trips to the grocery store. If you make three trips a week and spend $10 each trip on impulse buys, that can amount to $120 extra each month. "

» Getting back on track

"If you're digging out of a difficult situation that left you with sizable debt, emptied your emergency fund, or shrank your savings account, you need to pay off the debt or replenish your rainy-day fund. But how? "

» Going shopping?

You've probably heard that using smaller plates can help you eat less. Apparently the same principle applies when it comes to shopping.

» Holiday budgeting tips

"Develop a budget, make a list, research prices, track spending, give non-cash gifts, consider gift cards, save to spend. "

» Home improvements & maintenance

Home ownership is the biggest investment most people ever make. But owning and buying a home is just the beginning. Here are factors to include in your homeowner's budget.

» How to raise a financially healthy family UPDATED!

"Expect and prepare for emergencies. Aim to set aside six months' worth of expenses in a liquid account, and start saving today. Accept that you can't buy everything you want for your child, and realize that this is harder than it sounds. "

» Just $20 a week is all it takes

"Big bang from small bucks. Just socking away a little extra each week in your retirement account can have a big impact down the line. Here are the hard, very convincing numbers to make it worth your while. "

» Lower your food costs without sacrificing nutrition

"Try main-course meals that use less meat and more vegetables, such as tacos, a stir fry with a small amount of chicken or beef, or stews and soups packed with vegetables and legumes. "

» Making peace with money

"Many people struggle with ""money issues."" Some overspend and wind up in debt while others are ""ultra frugal"" and afraid to enjoy their hard-earned savings. "

» Managing inherited wealth

"You inherited money and want to spend it wisely. Consider these suggestions: Start an emergency fund - Set aside three to six months of living expenses in a safe, accessible account, such as a money-market fund. "

» Managing your expenses

"It may be an old proverb, but ""a penny saved is a penny earned"" is timeless advice. Some ideas to help you trim expenses: Ask for free checking accounts, and credit cards with no fees and low interest rates. "

» Managing your finances during a serious illness

"Sound financial planning includes planning for the worst while hoping it never happens. If you're dealing with cancer treatment or another serious illness, you can start to develop a budget by estimating your out-of-pocket costs for health care. "

» May I have the envelope please?

"Budgets can help to get finances under control. Some people use the ""envelope budgeting"" method. "

» Overwhelmed by debt? How to preserve your credit rating

"If you find it difficult to pay your loans and credit card bills on time, taking steps like these may help protect your credit score: Before you miss a payment, contact the lender by phone. "

» Pay yourself first

Saving money is the first rule of fiscal fitness. Do you promise yourself you'll get around to putting some money in a savings account only to find that a week or a month or even a year later you're no closer to making good on your intentions?

» Protect yourself from a financial crisis UPDATED!

"Although auto and homeowner policies can protect against certain liabilities, there may be a time when the coverage isn't enough or doesn't provide the coverage you need. "

» Simplify your financial life

Here are a few low - maintenance ideas to keep your finances in order without causing you headaches. Automate: Direct deposit your paycheck into your banking account(s).

» Street-smart secrets for saving some cash

"Would a little stash of money come in handy sometimes? Maybe you could use it for a personal indulgence, a gift, or a helping hand to family or friend. Here's how to put some cash aside and never miss it. "

» That little bundle of joy - both priceless and pricey

"Tips to prepare for baby. If you're expecting, expect a quarter-million-dollar baby. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that a family will spend an average of $11,000 to $23,000 per year for the first 17 years of a child's life. "

» The bank of Mom & Dad

"Grown children often look to their parents for financial assistance during early adult years. The goal should not be to support the children forever, but rather to get them through a tough time and help them to develop positive financial behavior. "

» To buy or lease?

You need a new vehicle (or at least new to you). Should you lease instead of buy? It all depends. Here are some leasing pros and cons.

» When mom and dad just do not have the money

"If money is tight, it can be tough to explain to your children why you can't afford to buy them the latest toy or go out to eat as often. "