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

(or part of name)

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Save for college

Time it takes: 35 minutes

A state 529 college savings plan is the best way to invest for your kid's higher education. With one check, you can buy a diversified portfolio that becomes more conservative as your child nears school. See Money Magazine's guide to 529s in every state (link below).

Stick with your local 529 if it's a Money pick. But if your homegrown options are fee-laden and offer no local tax breaks, go with the Utah Educational Savings Plan (800-418-2551; uesp.org). Click on the Forms tab and download the program description and "form 100." Figure on 15 minutes to read, 19 minutes to fill out the agreement, one minute to fax.

Best 529s

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

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