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

Home Equity Loan

30 of 41

Get credit, even in a crunch

Time it takes: 15 minutes

Apply for a home equity line of credit. Don't tap it now unless you must (average rates are 8.75%). But in an emergency - say, when you've lost your job - you may find it tougher to qualify. Start by calling your bank, but go to bankrate.com to compare its offer with those from other nearby lenders.

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)