Money Basics
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A Plan for Your Money
Prosperity doesn't just happen. It only occurs with planning. And that starts with a spending plan. A spending plan is simply a tool to help you spend your money on what you want and still meet your living expenses, and even save a little for the future.
Take a few minutes to view some of the sites below. In them you'll learn:
- Building Wealth (en Espanol)
- Budget Calculators - Easy calculations for all kinds of budget situations
Savings and Interest
The web pages below speak specifically to those who want to learn how to save, why to save, methods for saving and even how to open and use a savings account. Additionally, there's a link to a great calculator to help you see how much to save for the things you want.
- Saving Basics - A starting point for anyone wanting to learn the basics
- Roadmap to Investing - Learn about Investment Products
- Ballpark Estimate Calculator - Determine how much to save for college, cars, even caring for parents (en Espanol)
Spending
Learn the advantages and disadvantages of various forms of funding your purchases: cash, credit cards, checks, etc. Plus discover how to use your checking account properly and see how a debit card is more like your checkbook than your credit card. Keep reading!
- Spending Money Wisely
- Choosing a Credit Card
- Credit, ATM, and Debit Cards: What to do if They're Lost or Stolen (pdf)
Credit and Debt
Whether or not you use credit, a good credit report is essential. Renting or buying a home, getting the lowest insurance rates, and sometimes even getting a job may be determined by your credit rating!
Managed properly, credit can be a marvelous asset to wealth building. Learn to order and read your credit report. If your report is in bad fiscal shape, follow the steps to get fiscally fit as fast as possible.
- All About Owing - The In's and Out's of owing money
- Free Annual Credit Report - Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three agencies each year - it's free!
**Note: Some Spanish language sites may not be exact replicas of the English language site for the corresponding topic.
Sites for Kids
Check out these links for kids. They are interactive and great fun for kids of all ages. Learn to save, spend, donate and invest.
- Budget Basics - Interactive site for teens and 'tweens
- 5 Ways to Cut Spending... and Still Get to Do and Buy Cool Things - A teenager's guide
Overview for Parents and Teachers
What are you teaching your kids about money? Even if you aren't a good money manager, begin now to learn with your kids. Below are resources for parents and teachers alike.
- Links for Parents
- Parent's Guide - Practical tips for teaching fiscal responsibility
- Tips for Parents - What sort of example are parents setting?
- The Four-Bank System - Hands-on approach to teaching money management
- Resources for Teachers
- Budgeting Your Financial Resources
- EconEdLink - Economics 101 resource guide for teachers
- ECONnections - More economics lesson plans for teachers
**Note: Some Spanish language sites may not be exact replicas of the English language site for the corresponding topic.