$$  When searching for the most economical airline tickets, shop early in the morning.  Most airline and travel sites tend to introduce their promotional fares in the middle of the night, so the earlier you search, the more options you will have.

$$  Consider online bill paying.  Banks are interested in reducing the consumer's reliance on paper statements.  To lure customers into using their online services, many have now reduced or eliminated the fees associated with using their web sites to pay bills.  This is a convenience to the consumer that provides excellent tracking of spending and transactions.

$$  Nobody can predict the future.  For that reason, an emergency savings account is necessary.  Save 10% of your take home pay each month in an account that allows easy access, as you may need to pull the money out for unexpected expenses.  In a year, you'll have over 1 month's income stashed away as a safety net.

$$  Review your credit report a minimum of once each year.  At any point in time, your credit report is either helping you or hurting you financially.  Make sure your credit report is accurate, and that you understand the all-important credit score.

$$  A good rule of thumb to follow.  Allow no more than 30% of your take home pay for housing, and not more than 20% for debt repayment including your vehicle payment.

$$  Have you seen the bumper sticker entitled, "Can I pay my Visa with my Mastercard?"  It may be humerous on a bumper, but in real life it can spell disaster.  Never borrow from one creditor to pay another, as you are not lowering your debt by doing so.

$$  To shave years off of your mortage and save thousands in interest.  Send in one extra principal payment each year.  Or, divide your monthly payment by 12, and add that amount to each payment, noting that it is for principal only.

$$  The most expensive items at the grocery store are at eye level.  The things that appeal to children are even at their eye level!  Look high and low for savings on food, and shop the perimeter of the store where you'll find more fresh foods and produce, and fewer of the costly prepared items.

$$  Time is money's best friend.  Even small amounts of money, consistently invested, can grow into a large sum over time thanks to compounding interest.  Begin setting some money aside today!

Source:  Consumer Credit Counseling Service "Financial Tips".