Getting your personal finances in order is the first step to financial independence. After all, how can you create wealth while you’re in debt? Some of the best methods for securing your personal finances is to find ways where you can save money. For example, you can build your credit, save money on insurance, and plan for circumstances like having a child or even your own funeral.

It’s those unforeseen debts—such as a medical bill—that can empty a savings account quickly and make it harder to catch up and get ahead again. Some personal finance gurus will tell you to put away half of your paycheck (or more), and while that’s certainly ideal, it’s not the only or the easiest way to start getting ahead. Paying off your debts and beginning to save in every way you can is how you start on the path to financial independence.

Our personal finance articles below will show you how to get yourself into a more secure position to be debt-free and start accumulating wealth. You’ll discover more about estate planning, financing education, choosing better insurance, refinancing, retirement planning, retirement living, and improving your credit.