Step 1

Successful money management is a process. Take the first step.

Step 2

This quick quiz will help you find your starting point.

Step 3

Clearing out the clutter will make organizing your records a lot easier.

Step 4

Set yourself up for success; start by appointing a CFO.

Step 5

Knowing where you are today can help you determine the best path toward helping you meet your financial priorities.

Step 6

Good credit is valuable. If your credit reports contain an error, taking the time to have it corrected can really pay off.

Step 7

As you start on the path of sound money management, determine how much money you have to work with.

Step 8

Determining your net worth sounds harder than it really is. Having your credit reports and financial statements in-hand makes the job easy.

Step 9

It's time to ask yourself if your debt is too much debt.

Step 10

Identifying needs and wants can keep you focused on what matters most.

Step 11

Don't just set goals, set SMART goals.

Step 12

Now it is time to develop those priorities into specific goals.

Step 13

Paying off debt is a short-term financial goal most consumers share.

Step 14

Emergency savings can make the difference between a financial setback and a financial disaster.

Step 15

Saving for retirement is a non-negotiable financial goal.

Step 16

Make a commitment to stay on track.

Step 17

Now that you know what you are working for, it is time to get to work!

Step 18

Find out where the money is going.

Step 19

Identify your fixed expenses.

Step 20

Periodic expenses come due whether you're ready or not.

Step 21

Create your spending plan.

Step 22

Small changes can add up to big savings.

Step 23

Saving money on groceries is one of the fastest and easiest ways to improve to your bottom line.

Step 24

Spread the wealth by sharing one of your money saving tips.

Step 25

Know where you want to be? This is how you will get there.

Step 26

Give yourself some peace of mind by making sure your family is on firm financial footing.

Step 27

Commit to making informed borrowing decisions.

Step 28

Remember that you don't have to go it alone; assemble a financial team to help.

Step 29

To stay motivated, acknowledge the benefits you will experience as a result of your efforts.

Step 30

You are ready and able to move forward. Are you willing?

Step 22

Identify ways to reduce spending

To create a balanced budget or increase savings, most people will have to find a way to earn more or spend less. If the idea of spending less sounds challenging, try starting small.

It’s important to understand that every purchase we make — excluding such absolute necessities as food, rent, and gas for the car — is a choice. The America Saves coalition offers the following examples of how making some small changes can save you an impressive $150 per month.

Tip	Monthly Saving
Save $.50 in loose change	$18
Cut soda consumption by one liter a week	$6
Bring lunch to work	$60
Send one free e-card per month instead of buying a card	$4
Buy grocery store brands	$10
Use fewer phone features	$10
Eliminate premium cable channels	$20
Borrow, rather than buy, one book per month	$15
Hand wash, rather than dry clean, one shirt per month	$3
Comparison shop for gas (saving an estimated $.25/gallon)	$4

Savings	$150

Finally, in addition to making small changes, resolve to boost your savings by including all of your "windfall" money. This “free money” includes increased income from a pay increase, birthday gifts, insurance settlements, escrow overages, tax refunds, and inheritances.

For more advice, read Bargain Babe's 13 tips to reduce spending.

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