Great Advice From Around the Web
A weekly look at personal finance tips and insights others are offering.

Kiplinger's often provides our readers with tips on how to save money by eliminating expenses you don't need and by cutting back in other areas. But G.E. Miller at 20Somethingfinance takes it a step further by suggesting a way to dramatically reduce most people's biggest expense: homeownership. He writes about the benefits of downsizing to a tiny home. Tiny, as in a couple hundred square feet or less.
The cost savings and other benefits he touts are compelling, but I'm not sure my family of four could handle such close quarters. I'm curious what you think about this idea (share your comments below).
On the flip side, David Ning at WiseBread examines what people can do when they can afford to better their lives (I'm Doing Well Financially. Now What?). You don't have to be rolling in the dough to benefit from his suggestions for improving the quality of life and, in some cases, generating more wealth.

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Here are more personal finance tips and insights from across the Web:
2010 Closing Costs Study [Bankrate]
New York and Texas remain the most expensive states for mortgage closing costs, according to Bankrate.com's annual mortgage fee survey.
How One Man Recovered From Student Loan Disaster -- and You Can, Too [WalletPop]
"One of the best things a beleaguered student can do is to simply pick up the phone and talk to their creditors."
7 Ways to Further Your Education Without Paying Full Price [My Dollar Plan]
There are several affordable ways to continually increase your knowledge.
Job Search Credit Scammers Still Roaming the Internet [Consumerist]
Watch out for job offers that require you to use a free credit score service before you can continue with the recruitment process.
Avoid Tourist Traps [Money Under 30]
"You can avoid losing your hard-earned dollars on common tourist traps with a little planning and know-how before your trip begins."
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Award-winning journalist, speaker, family finance expert, and author of Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk.
Cameron Huddleston wrote the daily "Kip Tips" column for Kiplinger.com. She joined Kiplinger in 2001 after graduating from American University with an MA in economic journalism.
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