Want to learn more about managing finances - where to start?

[Flower of Bliss]

I feel so clueless when it comes to long term financial management.  I can balance the checkbook, keep the bills paid on time, buy groceries, and other household necessities, etc.  I generally work towards to goal of paying down debt, and then saving money.  DH makes a good salary.  We're generally in good shape month to month.  I have a budget, which I could stick to a bit better, but generally do ok with.  It could use some changing up.  In early 2011 we'll be buying a new car, and DD1 will start attending a Waldorf school, so we'll have a tuition bill each month as well.

I'm concerned about long term.  We're both 30, and I have no clue what our retirement goals are or how to accomplish them. 

We'd like to sell our house and buy a different one in about 2 years (with the goal of shortening DH's commute and getting more space as our family grows), and I don't know how to plan for that - saving for repairs on the current house to put it on the market? preparing to possibly pay two mortgages for several months? and so on... 

Where should I start?  Are there books, articles, magazines, or blogs you'd recommend I read?

[Turquesa]

Do you have any debts at this time?  After paying those off (assumed to be a first priority), what are your other goals besides retirement?  Education?  Pay off mortgage?  Big down payment on the next house you're buying?  Vacation?   

You could try getting a copy of Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover and tuning into his a.m. radio show.  This forum hosts a monthly "Getting Out of Debt" thread, but those of us not in debt still participate in the Six Baby Steps to financial management (emergency fund, retirement and education savings, etc).  I don't agree with all-things-Ramsey, but a lot of it I find useful.

Otherwise, I'd seriously hit the library and check out what I could on personal finances.  Stay away from gimmicky get-rich books and stick with more general books from reputable sources, e.g. lMoney Magazine's personal finance book. 

[mtm]

I like Gail vax Oxlade. She's Canadian but the advice is good for everyone. Her website is www.gailvazoxlade.com I think. She has a show, Til Debt do us Part too. Dave Ramsey is also good. Others like Suze Orman. I'd hit the bookstore/library, browse a few books and choose one whose style you like. I took out a bunch from the library to get an idea. DR Total Money Makeover was the one we ended up with and I've been quite happy with it.

Oh and for blogs I like The Simple Dollar and Get Rich Slowly.

Edited by mtm - 1/1/11 at 7:09pm

[chezlyryan]

Is there someone at your bank that you can talk too about long term savings goals.  I have been wondering the same thing.  How much money should a 30 year old have in retirement and in other savings?  For TV, I like Gail VazOxlade and Suzy Orman's 'can I afford it' segment.