Do you ever feel like there’s some sort of conspiracy among corporations to deprive you of as much of your hard-earned money as possible? That’s not too far from the truth. Banks, stores, service providers and utility companies are all in it to make money. Some are more aggressive than others in the pursuit of the almighty dollar, but they all need to turn a profit to survive. With costs rising everywhere, consumers have begun to search for ways to beat the system and save money. It takes some work, but there are ways that you can save on your everyday...

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Close your ears to what advertisers would have you believe, you don't have to spend every nickel of your paycheck to have a good life. Spending money on things won't make you richer, thinner, sexier, more beautiful, or more popular. It'll just leave you poorer — and no closer to your real long-term financial goals, which may include buying a house, taking a dream vacation, or even retiring early. So try this: Regardless of what your income is now, try living just beneath your means. If you earn $30,000 a year, pretend you earn $28,000. If you earn $50,000, live...

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Many people pride themselves on having a good handle on their finances. They pay their bills in full and on time month after month. They manage their credit cards expertly, and even though they could get all the credit they want with ease, they refrain from opening new accounts that they don't need. But if they do not have an emergency fund, they could still find themselves struggling at any time. No matter what your income level, having an emergency fund available these days is of the utmost importance. You just never know what could happen. Here are some potential scenarios...

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Stress can take a toll on our lives and health. During these tumultuous economic times financial stress is particularly bothersome. While cutting corners never hurt anyone, juggling bills and doing without necessities harms both our physical and mental health. Stress contributes to health problems, including insomnia, depression and anxiety. If that isn't enough, financial problems may prevent sufferers from getting proper treatment. They may beat themselves up mentally for allowing things to spiral out of control. But that frame of mind can only make things worse. Instead, a more productive use of your energy is to develop a way to get...

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First of all everyone should have a household budget. Too often we spend money as quickly as we get it. Some of it goes toward necessities like food and shelter, but a large portion of it often goes toward discretionary items. Whether you can't seem to save up any money for a rainy day or you're having trouble getting the bills paid, a household budget will help. Controlling your spending allows you to save money for retirement, your kids' education, and any other goals you may have. Setting up a budget is not as difficult as it sounds. All you have to...

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These days life is full of surprises. One day we are making ends meet with something left over and then a day comes when all of that can change. One day we are gainfully employed, the next we are given a pink slip. With the unpredictability of day to day living, having an emergency fund saves worry over finances when you are already worried over other things. What is an emergency fund? Well, it is money that you have set aside for unforeseen situations. It could be an illness in the family, loss of a job, an...

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Saving money does not imply a life of depravation rather it is one of thrifty shopping, careful choices, and a saving mindset. Making just a few adjustments in five areas of your normal life will help you save money. Groceries are one of the most expensive items on any budget. Be sure to take a list with you to the grocery store; this will help to cut back on impulse items. If you are still concerned, then why not take a friend shopping with you. Exchange lists at the store and each of you can gather up...

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Everyone wants to save money, but no one wants to change his or her lifestyle to do so. Many people think that the only way to save is to go without any entertainment at all; give up eating out at restaurants, stop going to the movies, stop shopping, etc. This is not the case! It is very simple to still enjoy going out, as well as save money. You just have to find ways to spend less while going out. When you go to a restaurant always use coupons! I can’t stress that enough. There are...

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This society is one piled high with debt. You hear the horror stories all the time. There is probably a person in debt living in your neighborhood or sitting next to you at the ballgames. People are getting into financial trouble for one simple reason – they are spending more money than they earn. Here are some useful tips for how to live within your means. The basic premise behind a budget is that the income has to exceed the expenses. It there is a deficit, then you either need to cut your spending or increase...

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Money worries are the most common cause of holiday stress, according to Mental Health America. The 2006 study showed that parents are more stressed than all other demographic groups by finances and females are more likely than men to feel stressed by finances.

Money isn’t everyone’s No. 1 worry, but if it’s yours, why not consider the following New Year’s resolutions to improve your financial life?

Resolve:

1. To write down your goals: Have you ever written down the big things you want in life? Granted, all great dreams don’t cost money, but many of them do. Money buys freedom – to...

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