These tips should help you get on the right track when it comes to personal finances. Learn how to manage your money smartly by cutting the unnecessary expenses and investing your money in the right places. You could secure a retirement fund or put your children through college if you apply these tips smartly.

Streamline your financial life by moving into a smaller home. Even though you may be able to pay a larger mortgage, take the smaller one and build up your savings, instead. A smaller home means lower maintenance costs, less furniture to buy, and a comfortable, cottagey feeling that could even, bring your family closer together.

If you are currently renting, start saving. Once you have an idea of the monthly mortgage payment you qualify for, save the difference between that amount and your current rent payment. This will get you used to making a larger monthly payment, and any savings can be put towards your down payment for your new home.

If you are young, ignore the conventional wisdom of investing in 80 percent stocks and 20 percent bonds, and instead aim for a 50-50 balance. Given the volatility of the market, you can still lose quite a bit by putting most of your money in stocks. Having a mix of both may reduce your returns a little bit, but it might also cushion you against huge losses.

One of the best ways to improve your finances is to purchase the generic brand of products. The next time you are in the supermarket, purchase the store brand cereal, which can taste just as good as the higher priced, marketed brand. This can save you a lot of money when projected out over the year.

Shop thrift stores to accumulate a professional wardrobe. Business clothing can be expensive. It is something we all need, however, if we are to convey the appropriate image at work. Thrift stores offer an affordable option for all of our wardrobe needs. You don’t have to tell anyone where you bought it or how much you paid!

If you are traveling, but still need to save as much money as possible, ask about what is included with the price of your hotel room. Some places may have a continental breakfast or provide free transportation to the places that you need to visit. Little things can add up quickly.

Make sure you qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy before you waste money on a consultation. Under the 2005 bankruptcy reforms, only people who make less than the median income for their state can file for Chapter 7 protection. If you happen to make more than that, you can still set up a Chapter 13 repayment plan.

Unless it’s an actual emergency, stay away from the ER. Make sure and locate urgent care centers in your area that you can go to for after hours issues. An ER visit co-pay is usually double the cost of going to your doctor or to an urgent care clinic. Avoid the higher cost but in a true emergency head straight to the ER.

Try to analyze the hobbies that you have during the year and eliminate the ones that cost the most. Exercising is a great activity for you to do, and does not put a dent in your budget. Reducing expensive activities is a great way for you to eliminate debt and put yourself in a better financial situation.

If you live near a group of employees that you work with, form a carpool. This will allow you to save money on gas, reducing one of your expenses dramatically over the year. Carpooling is not only fun, but a great way to implement as a money management tool for the year’s expenses.

As a college student, you will want to reduce the amount that you spend on books and supplies. Instead of purchasing books at the campus bookstore, which is usually at retail price, make friends with upperclassman who can give you these books at a discount. This can save you hundreds of dollars per semester.

As you can see, personal finances is all about your management skills. Choose which tips are adapted to your situation, and look for ways to apply them. Take some time to figure out what to do with your money, and ask help from a professional if you think it is necessary.