How to Generate and Keep Money

What is the number one reason most couples split up? Money. What is the biggest issue facing today's families? Money. What does everyone seem to need more of? Money. Would you like to learn all sorts of ways to keep your money, save your money, and generate money? My grandparents were all first generation Dutch and one thing we Hollanders know is how to pinch a penny until Lincoln yelps. It's not about being ungenerous, it's about being wise.

Here are over 50 tried and true ways for an everyday citizen to enjoy the fruits of his and her labor and spend as little as possible.

Generating Money:

*Bank Accounts: When you can find good interest rates, set aside a small amount each week.

*'Principal Only Payments': If you own a house, try to make one payment per year marked 'principal only'. This payment will be applied directly to your mortgage amount, not the interest. One 'principal only' mortgage payment in the amount of your regular house payment can knock years off from the life of your mortgage. Consider using any bonuses or Christmas gifts for this purpose.

*Credit Cards: Apply for any store card or credit card you qualify for that offers: cash back and discounts. Use that card only for purchases that qualify for the discounts or rewards. Pay the card balance off monthly to avoid interest. Pay it by the deadline to avoid late fees.

*Credit card reward programs: Do the math on the point value and what exactly you can get with your points. Can the points be converted to other reward programs? Will I get points for balance transfers? Can I get cash with the points or just 'prizes'? What is the best value for my points? (With my Master card, I wait until I have 10,000 points because I get $100. $25 costs me 3,500 points. At that rate, $100 costs me 14,000 points.)

*Rebates: If a product offers a rebate, participate only in those that bring the product down to a comparable cost and are worth your time and postage. Generally, rebates take several months to reach you. Don't buy the product just for the rebate, unless it is already a brand you trust and the price is right.

Saving Money: