A Simple Start to Finance

Real Simple's March cover story (if you missed the print version, click here to read it online) looked at solutions for six money problems, including spending too much and saving too little. Each problem comes with immediate steps to take, and more advanced steps to do next. Plus, sidebars feature real people, their budgets and advice from a planner.

All in all, the article is a good way to dip your toes into reading about personal finance. The advice is sound, though I would quibble with a couple of things.

Just keep in mind that this is a starter article. Take the next step: Direct your attention to the section of your local newsstand that features the magazines devoted solely to the topic of personal finance to get more in-depth information.