When it comes to thinks like saving money, spending less money, budgeting and retiring, they all have one thing in common.  To do all of them, you need discipline and need to follow the helpful tips that will help get you there.  There are several money tips out there to consider, but these are the top 5 you need to live your life by!

Top 5 Money Tips to Live by:

Yourself first – First of all, it is important to always take care of yourself before you take care of anyone else.  This means if your children want the latest toys, your parents or friends need money, etc.  YOU need to come first.  You work for you, not to be everyone’s ATM.

Co-signing - You should never co-sign for anyone.  If your friends or family members have bad credit and can’t get by with just themselves you know there is already a problem.  Don’t be responsible for anyone else, especially when it comes to money.

Build money - It is important that you make money off of your money.  So many people have a basic savings account that gains hardly any interest.  If you’re looking to make real money on your money open up a CD or money market!

Insurance -  Always make sure you have insurance!  You may be able to get by with high deductibles, but never risk having none.  We can’t predict things like a house fire, car accident, or when something may go wrong with our health.  It’s way to costly and risky.

10% -  If you want to retire at a reasonable age, they say you need to save at least 10% of each paycheck.  If you can do this, you’ll be much better off than someone who doesn’t.  Ten percent really isn’t that much, yet down the road if you put that money into a money market you’ll be able to retire!

Money is something that causes happiness, stress, and every emotion in between.  Make sure you are smart with your money, plan for the future, and think about what’s important.  For now, consider a few of these top money tips.

It seems like every few years we need to spruce up our wardrobe a little bit.  Whether we feel like we wear the same clothes all the time, or our old ones don’t fit anymore, we need to get some new ones!  Some people look forward to clothes shopping, and others dread it.  A reason to dread clothes shopping is simply because it can be very costly.  Clothes aren’t cheap, especially if you want all the nice name brand ones.

Although, people go to the mall, spend more than they have to, and find that put a huge hole in their wallet when they get home.  Don’t make clothes shopping such a chore or an expense, instead save money these few ways!

How to Save Money on Clothes:

Thrift stores –

First of all, the best way to save money on clothes is by shopping at thrift stores.  You will be amazed as to what you can find at them.  They have everything from Express to Abercrombie, to Coach purses.  You’ll be amazed as to what you can find there!  So, before you judge and spend more than you have to, check out a thrift store.

ebay –

Ebay is another great place to shop when it comes to clothes.  All you have to do is type into the search engine what you’re looking for on their site.  For example, on ebays website type in “American Eagle jeans”, “black button up shirts”, etc.  Then you will find all of what you’re looking for for less!

Coupons –

If you don’t want to shop on ebay or at the thrift store, than you better use coupons.  Mall shopping isn’t always cheap and you’re pretty much going to pay the new price on everything.  Getting things like the Entertainment book, or checking out websites like buxr.com can really save you a few bucks the next time you shop.

Never pay full price for anything in life, even clothes.  You can always get a discount somehow or spend less than you think.  So, shop used, online, or with coupons to find the best deals out there!

Retirement is something that everyone looks forward to.  Sometimes we get so tired of working, and just want that day to be today.  Although you can’t be ready to retire overnight, it can come sooner than you think.  Why wait until you’re getting older to retire?  Why not retire when you’re still young and have energy?  If you’re looking to retire early, you can do so in just a few ways!

Tips for Retiring Early:

Save today – First of all, if you haven’t started a savings account yet, you need to start that today.  Instead of going out somewhere and spending money, save that money and create a savings account at your local bank.

What’s more important? – You need to think about what’s more important, the item that you’re about to buy or your retirement?  What ever is more important to you will be how your future will look.  If retirement is always more important than you’ll retire early.  If not, you have a house full of nice things yet close to being broke.

Money off money - There isn’t an easier way to make money than by making money off of your money.  If you have any money at all, put it into a CD or a money market.  There may be lousy interest rates at this time, but in a good economy you can be making as much as 5-6% on your money!  Why not let your money do the work now?

More income – If retiring soon is that important to you, why not bring in more for your income?  Pick up a part-time job doing something you love.  Coach basketball, babysit, work at your favorite book store.  More income means faster retirement.

Retiring early is possible for anyone.  If you discipline yourself, have good spending habits, and can manage your money the proper way, you’ll be retired before you know it.  Although, if you’re constantly buying things you don’t need but instead want, keep pushing retirement farther down the road.

In today’s economy most people are trying to cut back on credit card debt. Some families are dealing with unemployment, health concerns, or foreclosure. Others haven’t been hit by these misfortunes, but would like to save more and need to eliminate debt in order to have more to put away. Here are some tips and tricks for cutting down on what you owe.

Finding more money in the budget

Most of us spend more than we realize on the little things.  If you currently grab breakfast or lunch at the drive through on a regular basis, you might be surprised at how much it’s costing you. Start packing a lunch every day. You’ll save money and probably eat a healthier meal.

Make breakfast at home, and while you’re at it, make coffee there, too. Those flavored coffee drinks are fun, but if you add up how much you spend on them every week, you may change your mind about them. If you need any further incentive to skip the coffee chain, check out the calorie and sugar content of your favorite order.

Cut back on impulse buys

Most of us have an area where we’re prone to impulse buys. For some it’s treats in the supermarket, for others it is auto accessories or that new product in the beauty supply. Beware of the sale racks near the checkout or large displays at the end of the aisle in the superstore.

Run the numbers

It’s easy to get sucked in by multi-buy deals and other seeming bargains. Getting two for the price of one may seem like a good purchase, but if you don’t even really need one, then it really is not. Shop with a list and, when tempted by a bargain, ask yourself how many you need and how long the supply you’re buying will last.

If you’re like most people, you will be surprised at how much you are spending without realizing it.

Getting out of debt can seem like an impossible challenge to some, but with some hard work and dedication to your goals, you can live debt-free. With our country facing tough, economic times, everyone is watching their spending more closely. Give yourself a chance to start fresh and try not to feel guilty for being in debt. Be proud of yourself for taking the first steps to get out.

Determine Where Your Money Goes

Create a list of all of your current, monthly expenses no matter how small they might seem. It is important to find out where your money is going so you will know where you can trim costs. Don’t forget things like groceries, haircuts or monthly movie rental fees.

Creating a Budget

This is the least enjoyable part of getting out of debt but it is a crucial step. Now that you know where your money is going, you should create a budget that covers only the absolute necessities. Maybe you could cancel your gym membership and invest in some inexpensive hand-weights to work out at home. There are many ways to cut back so be creative and don’t lose sight of your goal, which is getting out of debt. Be sure to include a monthly payment to your savings account, so you can put money away for an emergency.

Set Goals and Reward Yourself

Would you like to get out of debt so that you can retire early? Buy a vacation home? Put the kids through school? No matter what your goal is, remind yourself of it often so you won’t lose sight of what you are working for. When you think about buying a new pair of boots, think about what it will really cost you in the long run, especially if you charge it, and remind yourself that being debt free will feel better than any piece of clothing or shoes.  Don’t forget to reward yourself along the way with small incentives like a long bubble bath or a night of relaxing with a bottle of wine.

Being in debt can seem like a losing battle but by making smart money moves and being creative with your time and efforts, you can find a way out. Remember to set goals and reasonable time frames for yourself so you can measure your success along the way.