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ORIGINAL: writerchick

The best advice I can give you is to pay attention to all of blessedinnyc's posts.

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When it comes to borrowing/spending, you'll find most everyone here to be very conservative. Some folks will be very anti-debt regardless. I'll be a little bit less likely to question debt, as long as you have the financial capacity to continue saving money, paying bills, and have taken care of your "rainy day" fund. I'm still very cautious when it comes to taking on debt. I prefer it only when it can justify itself - some school loans, for example. Loans that save you money in the long run or increase your earnings potential are to be preferred over loans that just pay for whatever shiny new thing the marketers put in front of our noses.

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For a start, check out Crown financial ministries or Dave Ramsey's materials. Most of that can be found online. There's a few things in there that I think they might not have 100% right, but you're unlikely to go broke listening to them. In the words of a friend of mine, "It may not be the smartest thing you've ever done, but it's darned sure it won't be the stupidest."

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The best advice I can give you is to pay attention to all of blessedinnyc's posts. There is a wealth of knowledge in every one.

Now, if you want to learn about coupons, I'm your girl. I just finished spending my $74 profit from Walgreens and earned $26 more in the process.

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ORIGINAL: bolt.

Step 1. Make some money.

Step 2. Set some aside for a ministry you care about or benefit from.

Step 3. Pay for the basics of life. (If this is the point where it doesn't work out, re-think what you mean by 'basics' or go back to step 1.)

Step 4. Set some aside for things that are likely to pop up and cost you within the year (car maintnence, vacations, winter clothes, possible job transition, occasional medical costs). Never spend more than half at a time.

Step 5. Pay for the extras in life that you particularly enjoy and think are worth what they cost (higher end groceries, TV & cable, vehicle & costs, computer & internet, nice clothes, shoes, outings).

Step 6. Keep some back for long term savings (future education, medical crisis, job loss, retirement, mortgage down payment). Never spend more than half at a time. At this point you may want to learn about investing, but you can keep it pretty simple and still be doing well. Try "The Wealthy Barber".

If you want to borrow, make sure the payments are well within your means, not placing a strain on you -- and that you have the step-4 safety net well funded. There are 4 legitimate reasons to borrow in my books: home ownership, primary vehicle, education, and medical or mental health costs. What's a good rate and/or a good plan for you depends on your situation.