» "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 exercise equipment - Before you make an expensive purchase, think about these things "

"Are you already committed to getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day? You may think buying a machine will motivate you to get in shape, but it doesn't work for most people. "

» "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. "

» 4 timeless truths of financial security

"If you could ask a thousand self-made millionaires how to become wealthy, you'd get a lot of great advice. However, you'd quickly learn that there are four timeless rules to creating wealth that almost all of these people follow. "

» 5 frugal fun tips

"Borrow DVDs for free, entertain with ""potlucks,"" visit free or low-cost events, pack lunches, do things during ""off-peak"" hours. "

» 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.

» 5 ways to break bad spending habits so they don't break the bank

"Guilty pleasures have a way of getting out of control, resulting in many a financial fiasco. Whether you have a soft-drink addiction, are a sucker for new shoes, or can't resist the latest electronic gadget, get a handle on your habit. "

» 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. "

» A deal too good to resist?

Save 75% off an oil change. Get $50 worth of salon services for $20. These types of specials invade e-mail inboxes everywhere. More and more consumers companies are working with daily deal Websites to offer deeply discounted services and products.

» A plan for getting out of debt

"Not all debt is equal. Mortgages and student loans are favorable types of debt because they have potentially long-term benefits, such as owning a home or working in a profession. "

» Are you spending too much on prescription medications?

"People often equate price with quality, believing that a higher price gets you a superior product. In the case of prescription drugs, however, that belief could be leading you to spend more money than necessary. "

» Avoid the plastic panic

A little discipline can keep your credit cards from causing you too much grief. Credit cards allow us to buy today without thinking too much about paying tomorrow.

» Avoid these top life insurance mistakes

"No insurance - According to the insurance research firm Limra, almost a third of U.S. households have no life insurance - a mistake if you have dependents relying on your income. "

» Avoiding money squabbles

"Money matters rank at the top of many couple's lists of touchy topics to talk about. Instead of avoiding the issue until it flares up into a flight, develop a financial framework that keeps the relationship on the right track. "

» Be a smart money model

Are you teaching your children to pinch pennies or make mistakes? Ask yourself: Do my kids see me save? Do they see me shop more at outlet malls and discount centers or high-end boutiques?

» Being a smarter investor

"1. Understand the difference between saving and investing. Saving accounts are for financial emergencies or short-term goals like a vacation. They have little or no risk, and you can have immediate access to your money. "

» 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. "

» Buy the product not the payments

"If it's not possible for you to save for something and pay cash for it on the spot, always ask how many payments there will be to get it paid off -- and remember to include any charges for interest. "

» Buyer beware

"Before you invest in any over-the-counter ""anti-aging"" products, remember that marketers are not required to prove their effectiveness and they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. "

» Click & send

The benefits of online bill paying: Convenience; Cost; Safety; Security; Timing.

» College costs - Tips for lightening the load

"Search all available scholarships and financial aid options. Even small amounts help. In addition to academic and athletic scholarships (check all sports), consider talents, community trusts, and affiliations with special groups. "

» 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. "

» Connecting with community supported agriculture (CSA)

"The trend toward local foods in the United States is booming with thousands of farmers markets, and more than 12,000 farmers reporting some Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) set up to sell their products. "

» 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.

» Debit card vs. credit card

Debit cards are becoming more widely used as an alternative to credit cards. There are advantages and disadvantages for each card type.

» Debt danger zone

10 signs you could be in for financial trouble.

» Dollars and sense - Food shopping tips that won't break your budget

Special dietetic or diabetic foods are more costly and usually not necessary. Boneless cuts of meat may be a better buy - since you're not paying for the bone. White eggs have the same nutritional value as brown eggs - which are more expensive.

» Eating on less than $10 a day NEW!

"The average American family of four spends more than $33 a day on food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Slashing your food bill and trimming your waistline can go hand-in-hand and may be easier than you think. "

» Extended warranties worth the expense?

"It depends. An extended warranty (a.k.a. service contract) is bought separately from a purchased item (e.g., television or computer). Like term life insurance, it only covers the item for a specified time period. "

» 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. "

» Filling your cart nutritiously without emptying your wallet

"If you think it costs too much to eat healthfully, think again. You can eat right on a budget. "

» Financial infidelity

A small secret purchase you keep from your spouse or partner can soon become a harmful spending habit that can have devastating effects on your relationship as well as your finances.

» Financial records -- Keep or toss?

"Having financial records such as bank statements, canceled checks, credit card bills, and other documents is important for tax purposes and proof of payment, but how long should you save these papers? "

» First steps for the newly single

"From a financial perspective, the first things you need to do when you're recently widowed or divorced are similar. Build a network of support people who will accompany you to meetings with financial advisors and attorneys. "

» Food costs

"You may have heard that it costs more to eat well, but is that really true? Not when you look at the ""big picture."" "

» Friends and money

"Getting together with friends is one of the greatest joys of the holidays, as well as during the rest of the year. But what happens when friends from high school or college now make more money than you do? "

» Generic drugs - a great way to save money

One way to save money on prescriptions is to ask if a generic equivalent or generic substitute is available for a brand-name drug.

» Generic vs. brand names

One way to save significantly on medical expenses is to ask your doctor to prescribe generic medications whenever possible.

» 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. "

» Going green to save some green

"Even if you don't consider yourself an environmentalist, you can help take care of Mother Earth and save some money at the same time. "

» 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.

» Health care - How to lower your out-of-pocket costs

"If your insurance plan has a high deductible, tell your doctor and ask if there are any ways to save money. Ask ahead of time about the costs of tests. "

» 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 build your savings

1. Pay yourself first. Commit to putting a fixed amount into a savings or investment account each month before you pay your bills. Make it part of your monthly budget.

» How to get credit card spending under control

"Stop carrying your credit cards with you. This will cut down on impulse spending. If your response is ""but I need it for emergencies,"" ask yourself when was the last time you really used a credit card for an emergency. "

» 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. "

» How to save on drug costs

Ask your doctor these questions: 1. Are there any lifestyle changes I could make that would make it possible for me not to take this medication? 2. Are there any over-the-counter medications I could use instead?

» How to set SMART financial goals

"Whatever your goals might be, you have a better chance of achieving them if you write them down. As you list your goals, divide them into three categories: short term, medium term, and long term. "

» Is 'shop-til-you-drop' a disease?

"Gift purchasing can bring out the shopaholic in many people, but how do you know when your buying binge is a problem? "

» Live debt-free -- for real NEW!

"Most people dream of not having any debt. And contrary to what many people may think, it is possible to turn that wish into reality without winning the lottery or waiting for an inheritance. "

» 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. "

» May I have the envelope please?

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

» Nursing the holiday debt hangover

"6 tips to pay down holiday bills. The holidays are history (for several months anyway), and so we are now on to the next phase: paying for that fun, festivities and gift giving. "

» Pay less for pet health

It is estimated that Americans spent more than $20 billion a year on health care for their pets. Consider these money-saving tips: Use free services. Some towns and cities provide free rabies shots annually.

» Paying with pain

"You'll be more likely to spend less if you use cash to pay for purchases rather than a credit, debit, or gift card. "

» Prescription medications - Save money with generics

"Generic prescription medicines may cost up to 80% less than brands. Even though they may look different, the medicine is the same because generics have gone through the FDA approval process to make sure they are safe and have the same effects. "

» Save money while you stay cool

Air conditioning - whether it's central air or a portable unit - can be one of your home's biggest energy guzzlers. These tips can help you save money on summer energy bills: Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature.

» Saving for retirement

"Secure your future and save for retirement. Whether you're close to retirement or it's still years away, you're probably concerned about financial security in later life. "

» Should Johnny have a summer job? NEW!

"With summer months approaching, teens - and their parents - will be looking for ways to fill the youngsters' days until fall. "

» Social media: A time waster or a money saver? NEW!

"In addition to catching up on the latest from friends and family, you can use media sites to help save money. "

» 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. "

» The basics to buying bling

"When you're looking for a Valentine's gift for your sweetheart or wanting to treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry, shop around. Compare quality, price, and service. "

» 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.

» Travel expenses -- Get better gas mileage with these driving tips

"1. Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving, including speeding and rapid starts and stops, can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% around town. Since it's also safer, sensible driving may save you more than money. "

» Turn $100 into $1000s

"Try plunking down extra toward your mortgage each month. If you ever needed a reason to send in a little extra with the house payment, take a look at what $100 can do. "

» Understanding 0% financing

"Zero-percent financing, sometimes called 100% financing, allows buyers to purchase ""big ticket"" items like cars, computers, and furniture with no-interest loans for the entire term of the loan. "

» Understanding the particulars of plastic presents

What you need to know about gift cards: Limits on expiration dates; fees disclosed; limits on fees; and replacement cards.

» Vacationing on a shoestring

Want to take a vacation this summer? Strapped for cash? Consider these money-saving tips: Save on meals. Eat only one restaurant meal a day. Dine out at lunchtime (it's cheaper) or share entrees at dinner.

» What you can do to curb your spending

"1. Make a list before you go shopping. When you get home, check the list again, and return anything you bought that wasn't on it. 2. Leave the tags on until you're sure you will keep an item. "

» What's on your shopping list?

Spending your extra money on experiences -- like going out for a meal or buying tickets to a sporting event -- may make you happier than buying things.

» 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. "