When I was a fresh college graduate earning my first real paychecks, I quickly saw how living in a city like San Francisco isn't made for entry-level salaries. Exploring the city and all of its nighttime gems were certainly priorities, but the biggest priority was to keep myself out of debt while not depriving myself of enjoying my new surroundings.
I struck a balance by forming the valuable habit of paying all of my bills on pay day. That practice, coupled with automatic 401(k) savings and automatic transfers to a high-interest savings account, can allow for a relatively low-stress financial life.
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I'll get this off my chest: 
Sometimes, no matter how much we're on top of our expenses and feel in control of our finances, mistakes do happen. Take, for example, a recent money mistake compliments of yours truly. In my attempt to purchase the perfect wedding gift, I failed to pay attention to the currency in which the present's price was listed.
Raises may be a rare occasion during these days of employer belt-tightening, and when they do come along they're likely to disappoint. Stagnant paychecks don't have to imply savings-as-usual — there's a tangible way to save money without earning more.
Scott Burns of 
If transferring money to savings 
Savvy job seekers know arriving at a job interview a few minutes early is the best way to start off on the right foot. Chilling in the reception area gives you a chance to warm up for the interview by looking over your notes and settling your thoughts. You may have shown your ability to be punctual, but don't put in a dent in the clean first impression by letting your nerves get the best of you.
Money may not be able to buy happiness, but there are ways we can find peace with our financial lives and improve our overall well-being. Four people who've achieved a state of money Zen shared 
Even though we know eating at home is cheaper than eating out, the effort it takes to cook after a long work day often does not outweigh the thought of money saved by eating-in. Some people cook a few dishes on Sunday to be eaten throughout the week, but when there's someone who simply despises leftovers you may find some of this food going to waste.
I've always enjoyed leftovers (cold spaghetti, anyone?) but my better half had always been staunchly against them.
It may only be August, but there are already ads out there featuring decorated evergreen and Santa's cookies. Advertisers already have the Winter holidays on their minds, and you should too — holiday travel this year is projected to be more expensive than last year. Airlines have less routes planned especially for popular vacation destinations, and their prices are up often due to fuel surcharges.
Many of you are enthusiastic or on the fence 
