Instantly stopping your bad spending and saving habits may set you up for failure and leave you feeling discouraged and less motivated to improve your finances.

While early holiday shopping can snag you discounts and the best selection, you are most likely to get the best deal just before holiday shopping.

Credit can come in handy on some big purchases. Rather than using your debit card, it may make better sense to pay with your credit card, then settle the amount immediately.

Your parents were in their prime in a very different social and economic climate. What was good for them may no longer be true.

Purchasing less expensive items could also mean buying lesser quality, meaning you will have to buy the same article more often.

It makes sense to stock up on non-perishable items such as soap and canned goods.

Consumers need to protect themselves when dealing with banks. Don't let the bank make financial decisions for you.

Leaving money in your checking account might make you spend more than you planned, simply because the money is available. The money in your checking is also not earning any return.