A major step toward financial freedom is about getting back in touch with your money and understanding that you have the power to decide how to use it. And it's about being honest with yourself. Have you ever taken a big wad of bills from an ATM machine, then found yourself, a day or two later, nearly out of cash and unable to reconstruct exactly where you spent it? And even when you retrace all your steps, you still come up $20, $40 or $60 short? It's upsetting, but most of us feel that way most of the time: a little short, a little panicky, wondering exactly where our money is going.

Your car will serve you well, and cost effectively, if you take the time to learn a few basic maintenance skills. Ready to start? Let's go.