10 Smart Money Moves to Make in 2010

1. Stop avoiding the problem and start being honest. Open the envelopes, call-or even better-visit your bank or broker. Be realistic. So many of us are living in the illusion of total scarcity. Look at what really did happen during the last few months. Get some help. You aren't supposed to be an expert. Most of us feel intimidated when it comes to money, but the truth is we were never given a proper education about it. You're not alone. Everyone feels the same way to some degree. But avoiding the subject of money would be like saying, learning to walk is too difficult, so I'm not going to do it. Learn the basics. You'll feel more grounded. And make sure to hire a banker or accountant you feel good about.

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2. Get organized. Know where your accounts, credit-card statements, insurance documents, will, etc. are. Most of us feel overwhelmed because we just don't know where all of this stands. Often, it's not the lack of money but more the general level of uncertainty and messiness around this topic.

3. Review your statements. Get a feel for what you are spending. Where is your money really going? You may often find some errors and double charges. Look at hidden fees from all the bills you pay. Confirm that some of your regular income is going to a savings account on a monthly basis. If you have an investment account, take a close look at what you have: stocks, funds, bonds, cash, gold. Know what you have and then ask yourself how it feels. You don't need to have a finance background to know whether your money situation is letting you sleep at night.

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4. Get back to basics. This applies to every area of your life. Do you need to be spending so much on margaritas? Do you need another pair of jeans or shoes? Do you need a gym membership in a hot club you never use? Everyone knows where they are "leaking" money. For some it's on clothes, others it's food, and others it's on personal beauty treatments. Ask yourself what changes you can make that only you would notice.

5. Find another source of income, in addition to your regular job. Can you find a way of creating something, consulting, writing, translating, editing, babysitting, taking care of an elderly person, promoting something, or organizing something? The possibilities are endless. Here's a clue-look for a way to take away someone's pain, or problem. That's what people will pay money for. What are you really good at? What is easy for you? Stretch your identity of what else you might be able to do, other than your regular job. And if you are the creative type, which deep down we all are, think about writing an ebook on a subject you know a lot about. There are plenty of sites that will put it up for free. You can then be making money while you sleep. That's the goal.

Read 5 more smart money moves you can make this year.