Hey Chisel,
Down here in the ATL, we have a local guy with a nationally syndicated radio talk show with all kinds of advice on "saving money and keeping you from getting ripped off"; a consumer advocate guy... Clark Howard.
His website is full of advice and other resources on all sorts of stuff (scams to avoid, money management, etc.)
clarkhoward.com . Lots of notes and links and things. He's also big into travel deals...
I just know there is useful stuff in there for you. He's extremely thrifty and is always advocating "financial preparedness".
Good luck.