An excellent armor on the tools of personal finance.

Start with Cutting expenses. Do you NEED it? Can you AFFORD it? If it's a want evaluate whether you want that item (say a new cd) versus the piece of your goal (debt-free, new house, whatever).

Proper money mindset. Frugality now for riches later.

Frugality. How can you get what you want for the best price? Bargain shop, use coupons, think about what you're buying.

Contentment. Be happy with what you have. Chasing consumerism will leave you empty because there's always somebody with more. Always.

Wise money management. Budget budget budget, get out of debt. Stay out of debt. Have an emergency fund. Needs over wants.

Sound financial counsel and education. Along with the blog that ran this article, heres a shameless plug for mine http://personalfinancewriter.blogspot.com/   You can also check out my other xomblurbs for articles I like and read those blogs that host them. Check out the library for personal finance books or find somebody who's good with money and have them teach you the basics or finer points depending on what you need.