I've been asked to write an article for our newsletter on how best to be responsibile for your personal finances.

Any ideas or suggestions?

1. Using credit wisely and conservatively
2. Saving for retirement and rainy days
3. Living within your means

more?

Having an 8 month "emergency fund."

Building up as much credit card debt on 0% interest until 2012.....

Learn basic simple math and begin to utilize common sense?

1. Spend at least 50% of your money on video games

OK, boneheads... good ideas only, please.

A-hem!

That was good, and so was JJ's...

* Have a financial goal, write it down
* Create an income statement; write down monthly/quarterly/annual income and expenses
* Take advantage of employer-matched 401(k) contributions at the very first opportunity.

The lottery: your retirement plan

(ok, ok, I'm done)

SRSLY:

Write an article illustrating the difference in costs & lifestyle between someone who has a 720 credit score and a 580 credit score, Goofus and Gallant style.

(Goofus paid 1.5% more on the interest rate for his home, costing more than $XXXXXX.XX over what Gallant paid over the life of his mortgage.)

Have Buccs write the article for you.

Delegate baby, delegate!

understand banking basics, things to look for in a savings or checking account; know the difference between banks and CUs..

the importance of goal setting...

ways to save money and cut expenses....

creating a spending plan....

financial booby traps to avoid (using fringe financial services, RAL loans, check cashers, pawn shops, rent to own....)

Facing obstacles in the way of meeting your goals....

asset building resources and services that are free or low cost...

understanding credit (when to use or not)

understanding credit reports and ID theft....

understanding the use of credit cards...

She couldn't afford my writing services.

You have alot of good suggestions up there ^^^^

Just a couple more,

Understanding the difference between needs and wants...

Keep a check register...

Make a shopping list and stick to it....(Don't go to the grocery hungry)

I have not done this in years!

^^^fiscally unresponsible^^^

Keep a running list of what you've charged so you're credit card bill does not get out of hand.

DQ, you've enough good ideas here to write a year's worth of articles. Seriously, it's way too much for just one.

I'd love to read about Goffus and Gallant each month as they take on another aspect of fiscal responsibility. The concept is a great hook that will keep readers coming back for more.

Use of these particular characters also allows you to 'dumb it down' without insulting your readers. All too often, people write way too technically thereby never even reaching their intended audience.

Suze Orman has stolen my financial [BOL missing heart].

Great ideas gang. If you're starting from square one, I would talk about setting a budget and sticking to it. How about easy ways to save money (automatic transfers, 401k, keep the change accounts, etc.).

Are you just going to write one article? I think this topic would be great for a monthly or quarterly newsletter.

Pale said booby

Balance your checkbook.

Save at least 10% of each pay for retirement from the beginning.

Do NOT take money from your retirement fund.

Formulate a plan for your financial life.

Budget, budget, budget.

^^^^^ I may have missed mentioning this booby trap.....

Don't forget one of the most important ones!

Elect bona fide fiscal conservatives to Congress and the White House so you don't end up giving away a significant chunk of your income to the stupid, wasteful gubbermint!

that's the key