Contact Workriver if you are interested in writing a finance column.

Most of this is common sence but it may be useful to some people..

1. Unless you know a lot about cars don't purchase a really old car. The cheapest or oldest used car for sale often costs the most money in the end (repairs ect). Purchase a new car or a used car with a good history of maintenance (oil changes, ect). Also be ware of foreign cars, the repairs cost a lot more unless you have a warranty with a low deductable.

2. If you make enough money to pay your bills every week, enroll in auto-pay at your bank for all of your bills. Paying bills on time will ensure you have a higher credit score which will in turn make you pay less interest (also less total $) every time you purchase a house or car. Auto-payment is available at most if not all banks and credit unions and doesnt take long to enroll in.

3. If you don't make very much money at all be sure to apply for state and federal low income benefits. You are not taking advantage of the government when you apply for food stamps, low income housing, ect. The reason people are granted these benefits when they apply is only because they qualify, and that is the reason that they are offered to your income level in the first place: to help you!

4. If you do make a lot of money and seem to be behind on your bills you of course will not qualify for low income government benefits but you can save a little money every year with tax deductions. You of course have heard of tax-deductable charities but there are in fact hundreds of different things that you can use as tax deductions that actually are nothing more then business related purchases.

5. Pay yourself. When you make your list of bills to pay at the start of the month, be sure to include an extra bill: your self! (even as little as $50 can make a massive difference within a few years) Set up an account that you cannot withdraw from if you have a hard time saving money. This can be stocks, IRA's, bonds, or a variety of other accounts. Ask a representative at your bank about setting up an account where you can save money in without it being easy for you to withdraw from every time you get low on cash. These accounts always have higher interest income on them as well.