Don't you hate it when your monthly credit statement arrives and you see in black and white how much you're spending in fees and interest? Or, when you get hit with a surcharge at the ATM? Sometimes service fees and interest charges are necessary expenses, but they are certainly something a savvy spender should try to avoid.

One way to get out of the high-interest-paying game is to build up enough of an emergency savings account so that you don't have to pull out a credit card to pay for life's little surprises such as a car repair. In this feature, you'll discover dozens of ways to save more, spend less and, how to bring home more cash from your salary.

Click on the links below to start saving in each category.

• 22 ways to build an emergency fund
• 8 ways to spend less on your checking account
• 7 ways to save on ATM fees
• 19 tips to eliminate credit card fees
• 9 ways to stretch your paycheck

Tips compiled by Dani M. Arthur, illustrations by Brandy Kesl.

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-- Posted Aug. 20, 2004