Use Online Financial Tools for Money Management

First things first: you've got to know where your money goes in order to manage it. Accounting for it is a lot easier thanks to online banking tools.

One of my faves is www.mint.com. They bill themselves as the best free way to manage your money.

Simply add your accounts, debts and goals and watch your finances transform with their cool graphs and push suggestions for improved money management.

There are also retirement calculators that give you a snapshot of what you'll need to save based on your current age and age you'd like to retire.

I encourage you to sign up for online bill pay of all of your monthly expenses. By having them paid automatically, you reduce the chance of paying them late.

Paying late not only adds fees, it goes against your all important credit score. Paying on time increases your credit rating-- something you need as much as breath to do everything from getting a mortgage, car insurance, an apartment, a used car, student loan and even a job.

Speaking of credit score, you're entitled to get a free on each year.

Visit Free Credit Score for yours.