Money Tips Network

This article is by editor Linda Vergon.

It used to be part of everyone’s existence, like going to the grocery store once a week. You’d stand in a teller’s line and hope everyone in front of you had uncomplicated transactions. Then you’d hand over your cash and the teller would stamp your passbook to record your deposit. It all felt very solid and respectable, even sort of fun knowing you were adding to your savings.

Ok, so you probably doubt that I can deliver on my headline. Well doubt no longer. Consider the two steps needed to earn $1.4 million more over your career than those who don't do these things:

1. Get a college degree.
2. Negotiate a higher starting salary.

Let's take these one at a time. Here are some recent findings on the value of a college degree:

I’m in the middle, well probably the beginning, of a long-term organization project. I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, particularly since moving into a larger apartment seven years ago. If I want to live a more mobile life, I need to downsize somewhat. In this process, I came across a plaque I received from my former corporate job, including a note from the company’s CEO thanking me for five years of service.

(I never made it to ten; I quit that job to focus on my own business full-time.)

We usually like to take the high ground when motivating ourselves. When it comes to getting out of debt, common reasons include "I want to put more money into a college savings fund" or "it will lower my insurance premiums." And yes, they're good reasons. (See also: 6 Harmful Money Beliefs That Are Keeping You Poor)

But what if, for a second, we don't go the way of the good-hearted Luke Skywalker, and instead follow the path of his evil father? What if we use motivations that come from "the dark side?"

Here are 10 dark-side motivations you could use to get out of debt. Feel the power of the force.

Right now, there are a ton of legal ways to listen to music online for free. Sure, you can buy mp3s so that you have complete freedom in terms of when and where you want to listen, but if you just want a radio-like service with a bit of control, there are many free options online for listening.

Which one is best, though? It really depends on what you’re looking for. Over the past few months, I’ve tried out several services, each with a unique mix of pros and cons. I found all of the services here to have some unique merit, but each person will find one that clicks with them.

Note that the pros and cons of each service are current as of right now. The online music market changes pretty regularly, so these recommendations might not be precisely accurate a year down the road. However, if you’re listening for free, it’s pretty easy to switch services.

Former GRS staff writer Donna Freedman has been researching the importance of teaching children about money, and she asked if she could share some things she’s learned. This is the first of two articles on the subject. Donna writes for Money Talks News and blogs about money and midlife at DonnaFreedman.com.

While researching a magazine article on “raising money-smart kids,” I felt sorry for parents and terribly worried about their children. (Also greatly relieved that I am not raising kids today.)

The article, for Consumers Digest, ran to a few thousand words. Short form: Our children face serious money temptations and pressures, and generally receive very little useful info either from parents or schools.

Going through airport security is already an arduous enough process without having to remove your laptop from your bag to scan separately, especially if you make frequent business trips. But aside from simply being an additional annoyance in the process of getting to your plane, it can also be quite dangerous to leave your laptop "naked." According to a study done by Dell, an estimated 12,000 laptops are lost in U.S. airports every week. Luckily, the Transportation Security Administration has developed criteria for checkpoint-friendly laptop bags that do not require you to remove the laptop when passing through security.

Join our Tweetchat this Thursday at 12:00 pm Pacific for lively conversation and a chance to win one of two $10 Amazon GCs! Use #WBChat to participate.

This week's topic: Saving Money on Pets! Learn about saving on food, keeping vet expenses down, and frugal grooming! Let us know if you splurge on toys and treats for your pets and share pictures of your furry family members with us!

For an easy way to keep track of the conversation, try using our special Tweetchat Chatroom.

If the time for spring cleaning is long past, yet you still find yourself surrounded by clutter and feeling like you have way too much stuff, maybe you need a decluttering mantra — a statement or a question that you repeat to yourself as you look at each thing in your space. They way you answer the question or the way you respond from your gut after you say the statement will help you determine whether or not a particular item stays or goes. (See also: Do This One Thing a Day to Defeat Clutter Forever)