A Really Nice Bonus - At Some Institutions - If You Are A Saver:

We told you to forget "free" bounced-check protection.

But some financial institutions (especially credit unions) offer a free way to protect yourself from bounced checks.

These institutions will directly link your savings account to your checking account.

If you overdraw your checking account, the institution automatically (and for free) transfers money from your savings account to your checking account.

Don't you need protection like that?

You need to start your saving habit the day you open your first checking account.

Open your savings account at the same time you open your checking account.

Put money in your savings account every paycheck.

Put at least 10 percent of your paycheck in your savings account.

• Do it instantly when you deposit your check. Always put money in your savings account the minute you get the money.

Here's one of those sayings that can really change your life: "Always pay yourself before you pay anybody else."

Want to really work on your savings plan?
Head here.