Recession Proofing Boot Camp with Carmen Wong Ulrich

You've got bills to pay and mouths to feed. We get it. Though raising kids comes with a big price tag, there's no reason to get overwhelmed. With a little expert advice you can get your family finances in ship-shape.

In June 2009, Carmen Wong Ulrich, personal finance expert and host of CNBC's "On the Money," hosted the Recession Proofing Boot Camp. Her no-nonsense financial advice has already helped thousands of families and now's your turn to get control of your money!

Here's what to do: 1. Complete these step-by-step challenges and learn these money-saving secrets:

• Challenge 1: List your money hang-ups
• Challenge 2: Collect loose change
• Challenge 3: Get receipt savvy
• Challenge 4: List needs vs. wants
• Challenge 5: Start a conversation with your partner
• Challenge 6: Understand your credit cards
• Expert Advice: Ditch your debit cards
• Challenge 7: Lower your phone, cable and Internet bill
• Challenge 8: Find and use an online coupon
• Challenge 9: Create a budget
• Expert Advice: Finding travel deals
• Challenge 10: Set up automatic savings
• Challenge 11: Start thinking about retirement
• Expert Advice: The basics of investing
• Expert Advice: Investing based on your age
• Expert Advice: The stock market made simple
• Challenge 12: Lower your grocery bill
• Expert Advice: Saving for your kid's education
• Challenge 13: Check your credit report
• Expert Advice: Paying off credit card debt
• Expert Advice: Protecting your identity
• Challenge 14: Research health insurance
• Challenge 15: Lower your gas/electric bill
• Challenge 16: Check your car's health
• Expert Advice: Saving money on gas
• Challenge 17: Host a swap party!
• Wrap-up: Planning a financially fit future

2. Find a Money Buddy at the Recession Proofing Message Board. There are plenty of parents going through the same thing as you, so open up, and make friends fast.

Time is money, so what are you waiting for? Learn how to start saving money NOW!

Check out Carmen's blog on CNBC.