Granted, the recession looks bound to stay put far longer than we thought. But buck up: This year marks a paragon time to get hold of your finances and produce a family budget that gives you financial peace and a clear list of spending and saving goals for the days ahead.

Whether you're looking to pay down charge cards, fund a vacation or merely get your financial house in order, we're here to assist. These tips come from experts from the money world: a financial consultant, a wealth manager, a V.P. at a credit-debt counseling non-profit, and a city treasurer, whose office leads periodic family budget seminars. Budgeting Strategies For Busy Families Financial Control With Less Effort And More Results