Nonprofit Credit Counseling

Credit-card companies are now required to print a toll-free number for a nonprofit credit-counseling service on every bill.

The requirement, part of the Credit Card Act that took effect in February 2010, is intended to prompt people to address their debt issues before they get completely out of hand. The nonprofit firms aren't quite the impartial advocates you might expect: Part of their funding comes from the credit-card companies themselves.

The best option for people who are over their heads in debt is to try to negotiate with their creditors directly. But if you have multiple creditors and don't have the time, experience or fortitude to cut deals with all of them the credit-counseling firms are one of the better options in the murky "debt resolution" world.

Financial Literacy Programs

"How to Manage Your Money"

Congress is working to finish a new "Office of Financial Literacy" to help consumers learn about savings, debt and credit scores.

There is an obvious irony in a debt-laden, budget-challenged government offering financial education. But there is a deeper problem: While nearly everyone agrees that Americans of all ages and income levels could be more financially astute, no one has a good plan for making it happen.

The last major government push started with a 2003 law that allowed people to see their credit records once a year without charge. It also established the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, made up of 20 government agencies and led by the U.S. Treasury Department. It was charged with coming up with a national strategy for financial literacy.

How To Save Extra Money at Home

How To Save Extra Money at Home

How far do go to save money when exploring ways or finding more ways than ever before to save your money.

Getting Rid of Your Car - Do you trade in your beloved wheels for public transportation is definitely extreme, especially if you live in the suburbs. If you can walk, bike, or take public transit where you need to go, get rid of your car entirely. Some people who go carless to save a fortune by eliminating gas, registration, insurance, maintenance, and repair costs, as well as their car lease or loan payments. AAA estimates that the average cost to keep a car on the road is close to $1 per mile after factoring in all of the associated costs. Think about how much of the time your car is sitting unused. It can be a tremendous waste of resources. People who need cars only to run occasional errands can join car-share programs.