Although you may not like to think about it now, how you manage your money today will affect your lifestyle in the years to come. It's never too late - or too early - to start planning for a fiscally healthy future. So where do you begin? Extra cash is all around you, you just have to start small. Think about it this way: If you skip that $3 latte every day, you'll save more than $1,000 a year! Put that grand into a savings account instead of Starbucks and you'll be off to a great start. Here are a few bigger ideas to help you build on your balance, no matter how old you are:

In your 20s...

• Start your 401(k) - It may be the furthest thing from your mind, but the earlier you start saving for retirement, the better off you'll be, simply because your money has more time to grow. Ten years can make a huge difference in the world of investing. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, you should start participating as soon as possible.



• Build good credit - Always pay your monthly bills on time. Even if you've never had a credit card or a loan, you can still show your creditworthiness by having a stable relationship with your bank and a record of paying your rent and utility bills when they're due. It is a good idea to check your credit report annually to be sure it will check out when you make big purchases later, like a car or house. You can get your free credit report instantly from one of the three nation-wide credit reporting companies (Equifax, TransUnion or Experian) by logging on to annualcreditreport.com.

In your 30s...

• Purchase real estate - Buying a home is one of the smartest purchases you will ever make because it allows you to build up your personal net worth over time. A steady increase in housing prices nationwide makes home ownership a very attractive investment, as most real estate appreciates at a relatively fast pace. Plus, the interest you pay on up to $1 million of your mortgage is tax-deductible, which can save you a ton of money.



• Establish an emergency fund - Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. As a rule, you should save at least three months' worth of expenses to fall back on in case you need it. The easiest way to start this stash is by setting aside extra income, like tax refunds and yearly bonuses.

In your 40s...

• Buy stocks - The best thing about stocks is that they can offer a greater potential return than bond funds, and you don't have to invest a big chunk of change to own stock in a company. Direct Stock Purchase (DSP) plans enable you to buy stock directly from businesses by investing as little as $20 at a time. To learn more, visit stocks.about.com.



• Hire a financial advisor - Most of the time, you have to spend money in order to make money. One of the best ways to do this is by hiring a financial advisor to give you the scoop on all things monetary. He or she can help you assess your financial situation, identify your goals and allocate your resources to help you achieve those goals. You lead a busy life, there's no shame in asking for a little help!