Are your kids finally reaching the age when they’re ready to start having money of their own? According to a 2014 T. Rowe Price survey, 42% of parents sometimes avoid discussing money with their youngsters. However, with a few kid-friendly activities to jumpstart the conversation, you’ll be looking forward to these talks. By the time school rolls around again, your little ones will be a step closer to becoming budgeting pros.

If you're one of those people who embrace New Year's resolutions, improving your financial status might be one of the biggies.  Getting your financial health in order is one resolution that you will reap benefits from from years to come. Here 10 ways that you can start today and get on track to a better--and more financially savvy-- version of you.

With Americans spending more each year on medical expenses than residents of any other industrialized nation – an annual average of more than $7,000 per person – it’s no wonder everyone’s looking for ways to save. And although much of this cost is covered by employer-provided health insurance, government programs such as Medicare or Medicaid or through tax-funded state healthcare programs, many Americans are seeing their out-of-pocket medical expenses increase year-on-year. With a little foresight and organization, there are many ways you can save on these expenses.

Despite the predatory nature of most payday lenders, the short-term convenience and quick access to funds that payday loans provide has kept their business strong. Most consumers are either unaware of the incredibly high fees and risk of incurring more debt, or are in such desperate need of cash that they don’t take time to consider the alternatives. But there are other options! Instead of getting caught in a downward spiral of increasing debt and decreasing repayment, try one of these four alternatives to payday loans and keep your money where it belongs: in your wallet.

Laura Edgar is a senior writer for NerdWallet.com, an unbiased personal finance website dedicated to helping you make smart financial decisions.