Those with Internet access can tap a wealth of helpful information. There are websites galore about all sorts of topics related to money. The one problem Gram has found is that, often, you have to be a financial wizard to figure it all out. But Gram recently partnered with Terry Rigg, Sr., of Budget Stretcher at http://www.homemoneyhelp.com In my view, Grandpa Terry IS a financial wizard. He publishes a monthly ezine, and offers a dandy ebook chockful of helpful ideas and advice about most every area of typical spending and saving -- "Living Within Your Means - The Easy Way" for $10., plus several helpful free downloads. Also, he offers free assistance for a budget question on request, and his excellent budget analysis for $9.95 can put you on right track where your finances are concerned.

As a real-life example, Grandpa Terry pointed out to Gram that what she owes on credit cards eclipses interest earned on her paltry 401K investment (and how! what with craziness of stock market these days). So why not pay off those credit cards pronto? This may well be one of those "can't see forest for trees" situations -- because Gram really hadn't thought of that, a small thing that can add up to additional savings.

Again, visit Budget Stretcher at http://www.homemoneyhelp.com And while you're there, please note other "partners" near bottom of Budget Stretcher Home Page. You can spend a weekend of informal study at these helpful websites, and come away from your research with many new tools for controlling what happens to your money.

There is so much discussion today about selling your home with or without an agent and for good reason. The commission runs in thousands and with stock market and job market, saving that money is necessary. But are you making a decision that will help or hurt your finances?

Selling your home with an agent is necessary in certain situations. If you are not able to be objective about sell of your home trying to selling your home yourself may actually cost you time and money.

If you are relocating and home will be vacant even if family lives close by, that is risky business. With an agent they are responsible for property and a good agent will go through home on a regular bases to make sure everything is ok. The agent will be present during inspections for buyer and can give you informed feedback about status. In cases that you can't get back to state for settlement (closing) you can sign a limited power of attorney and agent will sit in your place at closing and send you check.