Bankrate's Guide to Financial Literacy

At Bankrate, our goal is to help our readers make financially sound decisions. In 2007, we looked at topics ranging from budgeting to taxes to help you build a strong financial foundation. In 2008, we'll help you apply savvy strategies to ensure your financial success. Letter from the editor Below are the 12 topics featured in Essentials 2007:

January, Part 1: The simple art of budgeting February, Part 2: Mastering credit cards March, Part 3: Understanding mortgages April, Part 4: Mapping a retirement plan May, Part 5: Dealing wisely with home equity June, Part 6: Credit scoring demystified July, Part 7: Creating an emergency fund August, Part 8: Understanding insurance needs September, Part 9: Maximizing a college fund October, Part 10: Financial tuneup November, Part 11: Planning for your heirs December, Part 12: Taxes made easy

The 6 topics for Action 2008 are:

February, Part 13: Juggling debt and savings April, Part 14: Protect your identity June, Part 15: Securing a comfortable retirement August, Part 16: Smart borrowing October, Part 17: Growing your bottom line December, Part 18: Credit savvy tips

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