Save Your Financial Life...Foolishly

I've been a fan of The Motley Fool since 1999. Their irreverent style of presenting practical information about investing, financial management, retirement planning, etc., is accessible, refreshing and even entertaining.

Having had my share of, um, interesting financial challenges -- including a brief bout with identity theft -- a recent piece by Elizabeth Brokamp, the Fool who writes the weekly "Ask Mrs. Riches" column, caught my eye. It was titled, "Save Your Financial Life," and highlighted the following 10 points:
1. Shred old documents.
2. Use a credit card with a small limit.
3. Get it in writing.
4. Review your monthly statements.
5. Prepare for disaster.
6. Choose your PIN wisely.
7. Guard your Social Security number.
8. Opt yourself out of all pre-approved credit-card offers.
9. Be vigilant while using the Internet.
10. Protect your computer's security.

I shan't elaborate on these points here [that'd be bordering on plagiarism]. Suffice to say, Ms. Brokamp and her fellow Fools offer up lots of actionable tips -- tips that anyone can instantly learn and apply, simply by registering with The Motley Fool. [It's free!]

If you'd like further info re the above points, you'll find it -- plus lots more -- in the Motley Fool GreenLight "Money Answers" archive, which features more than 100 articles on personal-finance topics from taxes to credit to beginning investing, organized by subject and life stage. For access to this content, plus the current newsletter, back issues, members-only discussion boards, and advisor blogs, take a free 30-day trial to GreenLight today!

Full disclosure: Kari Larson has no financial stake in trumpeting The Motley Fool's apt attempts "To Educate, Amuse & Enrich™." She simply appreciates their vast wealth of info, and the opportunity to help others prosper prudently.