Managing money may seem like a distant dream. It’s something we want to do someday... when we have more money—and more time. But we all need to manage our money so we can reach the goals and dreams we've set for ourselves.

While the idea of money management may seem difficult, it's really not. It's simply one more skill to be learned, just like we learned to write, read, or perhaps drive a car. Believe it or not, no one is born with the skills to be a good money manager, but everyone can learn them.

We often live day to day, allowing the demands of the present to swallow up our money and time. We watch the money—usually not enough—come in, and we watch it go out. We often feel we don't have any control over it, so why should we worry about trying to manage it?

Because managing your money can help reduce the stress in your life. It can help give you a plan to take care of unexpected events and expenses.

Most importantly, managing your money can help you meet the goals you've set and create the life you deserve.

In this section, we’ll suggest ways to help you live within your means and manage debt so it doesn’t manage you. We’ll also show you how to develop a spending plan that will help you reach your goals. In addition, we’ll cover why banks and credit unions are a great choice for your money, as well as how to manage expenses if you have children and tips on deductions you may be able to take on your taxes.