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

5 Signs you're in trouble
1. You get a rush from shopping Buying gives you a "high" or "pick me up" similar to downing a few alcoholic drinks.
2. You buy items you don�t need Your closets are full of unused possessions that still have price tags attached.
3. You keep purchases a secret You lie about how much you've spent or what you've bought, and hide packages and receipts.
4. You buy with money earmarked for bills Your debts are mounting, you're maxing out credit cards, and collectors are calling.
5. You feel guilty and ashamed Your shopping habits are causing problems in your relationships and interfering with work, but you still can't manage to stop.

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Curb impulse buys

Time it takes: 10 minutes

By one estimate, two-thirds of all purchases are unplanned. To keep impulse shopping in check, ask the clerk to hold your wished for item, then take a 10-minute stroll. Next ask yourself whether you truly need this sweater/video game/golf club and how you'll pay for it.

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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