Recession survival guide

We may not be standing in bread lines, but more and more people are lying awake at night worried about their jobs, their money and their future. This week, the Chicago Tribune is dedicated to helping you navigate these tough times. Each day, our reporters and in-house experts will give you tools to survive different aspects of this financial crisis.

January 4, 2009

CHART YOUR FAMILY'S FINANCES

10 steps to a better family budget

Take heart: 2009 marks an ideal time to take hold of your finances and create a family budget that gives you fiscal peace and a clear list of spending and saving goals for the months ahead.