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.