Do you want to live like the young, rich, flashy millionaires who live fast and die young? Or do you want to build a stable fortune? Sure the life of fast cars and expensive toys is fun, but does it last? Only until the next bear market.

In a recent Phoenix Cos. survey, all six types of millionaires shared one quality. Living below their means. It may seem obvious, but to be rich, you have to spend less than you make. That is, you have to have money left over to save and invest.

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Whether you’re married or single, taking control of the household finances can feel like a part-time job.  Some simple tips can help you streamline your time, organize your finances, and reduce the stress of money problems down the road.

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What are you most likely to spend money on today? Dinner at your favorite restaurant, or the dentist bill for next month’s cleaning? That tech gadget you’ve been drooling over, or your home owner’s insurance that isn’t due for 120 days? The new fall wardrobe, or the car inspection sticker that expires in 32 weeks?

Variable expenses often lead us on a financial rollercoaster when we assume that money in the bank is money available to spend. The only problem is that much of the “extra” money we have in low-bill months is already spent. We just haven’t received the bill yet. It’s easy to assume that if it’s not in your mailbox, it doesn’t exist. But annual dentist and physicians visits, car maintenance, and health and auto insurance are not optional expenses. And we can’t excuse them as infrequent occurrences: “Well, I’m a little behind this month because the vet bill came in.” If you take your pets for their annual shots, the vet bill will come in every year. It shouldn’t surprise us, but too often it does.

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If you are constantly on a shoestring budget and are always out of cash, take a good look at your spending and lifestyle habits. You will find that by making a few minor changes, you can both fatten your wallet and have a savings account to fall back on. Saving money isn’t difficult, it’s just a matter of commitment. Even if you think you have no money to save, you will be surprised at the ways it’s thrown out the window. The following are 8 easy small ways to save your money.

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Ah, being a newlywed. Life is beautiful, your loved one is beautiful, and everything is peaches and cream. Well, in your mind and heart it may be, but the honeymoon has to end sometime. Two hearts are now joined as one, and so are your assets. It’s time to start sorting out your finances as a couple.

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