Main story: Spending your way to solid savings
Chart: How do you measure up
PLUS: Financial software to the rescue

Saving money is a goal that affects every aspect of life. The choices made today -- whether it's to buy a house, lease a car or use a credit card -- determine the quality of our future.

The challenge for many people is to patiently make informed choices rather than shop and spend on impulse.

For a little push start on becoming a money mensch, we've combed the Bankrate.com archives and other Web sites for tips and tools on everything from price haggling and credit cards to training kids how to budget and save.

• Baby-sitting your retirement savings
  Overseeing your nest egg requires a hands-on diligence. But you don't have to be obsessive.
  
  
• Uncle Sam has an option
  A payroll savings plan lets workers buy U.S. Treasury Savings Bonds by having regular amounts deducted from their paychecks.
  
  
• Maximize your rainy-day fund
  Americans are discovering options to low-yield passbook saving accounts.
  
  
• Homeownership can be heavy
  If you're not ready for the financial baggage that comes with buying a house, it's best to postpone the American dream.
  
  
• Negotiating skills can save bucks
  It's called haggling. How well you do it could be the key factor in determining the price you agree to pay for your new home or car.
  
  
• Teach 'em while they're young
  When children watch their parents budget, save for a vacation or write checks, it reinforces good savings habits and quashes the notion money grows on trees.
  
  
• Can't live without one
  If you want to rent a car, book a room or even write a check, you will need a credit card. Here's a checklist to help compare the offers.
  
  
• 401(k) exclusive
  Here's a Web site with articles on everything from how to make the most of your investment, to what would happen to the account if your company is bought or you divorce: 401kafe.
  
  
• Don't retire without it
  The American Savings Education Council is a coalition of private and public sector institutions that teaches people about what is needed to ensure long-term financial security. The Web site is a great resource for savers of all ages.

Related information: More savings news Search the latest savings rates The basics: Savings Definitions: Banking terms

-- Posted: Feb. 8, 2000