I’ve been a personal finance writer for several years, and I’ve read and written countless articles about all the ways to make, spend, and save money more effectively. Over the years, I’ve taken some of that advice and applied it to my own personal finances. Other tidbits have been left on the cutting room floor because — let's face it — financial advice is not one-size-fits-all. And it shouldn't be. For example, when it comes to saving money, I’ve always resented the idea that feeling strapped is normal ...

If you feel like you're barely making ends meet, you're certainly not alone. In a recent study of American workers, nearly half of the respondents said they had less than $1,000 in savings, and 75% said they considered themselves to be living paycheck to paycheck. Putting money away in a savings account is critical to end the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. But when you're strapped for cash, finding the extra money can be incredibly difficult. However, there are some small ways to save money on a tight budge ...