35 minutes to riches

It's Money Magazine's 35th anniversary. In its honor, here are 47 smart ways to get on track to a rich life.

By Asa Fitch, Amanda Gengler, Josh Hyatt and Ismat Sarah Mangla

Funfacts box: Junk mail
More than 62 billion pieces of junk mail are produced yearly.
The majority of household waste consists of unsolicited mail.
Approximately 44% of junk mail goes to a landfill unopened.
$320M of local taxes are used to dispose of unsolicited mail each year.

Source: 41pounds.org

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Stop junk mail

Time it takes: 5 minutes

Call 888-5OPTOUT to remove your name from credit issuers' mailing lists. The result of that five-minute talk with a computer? Fewer temptations and a mailbox filled with letters, not offers for pre-approved cards.

Most important, you'll cut the risk of an identity thief raiding your mailbox or garbage can and applying for credit in your name. Stolen paper mail accounts for 9% of identity fraud cases, according to Javelin Strategy & Research.

Note: Because we're talking credit bureaus, you'll have to provide your Social Security number. It's okay.

The complete layman's guide to cyber-safety

Credit score Raise your credit score Triple the return on savings Stop junk mail Freeze your credit Cut your credit rate Upgrade to a better card Add to your 401(k) Asset Allocation Buy a forever portfolio Find promising funds Track returns Check salary Retirement plan Life insurance Tax bracket Escape late fees Write bounce-proof checks Auto insurance Double-check your taxes Keep more of your paycheck Tax break for day care Pay less for your cell Cut drug costs No more waiting rooms Burn calories Be like Buffett Save for college Automate your savings Get credit, even in a crunch Read your mortgage Save on your mortgage Create an insurance record Curb impulse buys Spend consciously Slash recurring charges Boost your mileage Find it cheaper online Demand a lower cable bill Save on drinking water 35-second solutions

35th Anniversary

5 money dreams - a reality

For baby boomers, five cherished lifetime goals. And five smart game plans for making them come true. (more)

Your financial future - the next 35 years

Eight noted thinkers, from Vanguard founder John Bogle to tech futurist Ray Kurzweil, weigh in on what's ahead for investing, real estate, health care, work and more. (more)

How boomers really feel

Money Magazine's survey of nearly 3,000 boomers found that they are reinventing the American dream. (more)