The purpose of the article is to learn ways how to take control of money, and to do it in a way that will make you happy, smart and sound in your choices and not "compromised","guilty", and "second rate". According to the author, "You don't have to be a millionare--or even close to be happy." Most of the factors listed in the article are factors that one can change or can learn to do. By trying to follow these factors there is a chance that you will feel better, happier and in control. .
The first factor is to "Get (pretty) organized" If you need to locate an important paper or document you can do it quickly without hasseling, and you save yourself time. .
The second factor is to "Pay bills as they come rather than all at once" Usually one doesn't think that it makes a difference when you pay the bills as long as they get paid by the due date, but according to the article "people who pay their bills as they come in rather than stockpiling them to do once a month are happier." The reason is because when you have a whole bunch of bills to do all at once you get stressed out more and by doing them as they come in you save yourself time. The third factor is "Keep tabs on your cash" If you don't know where your money goes you are more likely to get stressed out. The best way to keep tabs on your cash is to save receipts, and to plan a budget for instance start the day with a certain amount of cash like $20 or $40 and try to live within that budget. The fourth factor is to "Save at least 5% of your household income" The best way to do that is to take the 5% out before you even have a chance to spend it. Once you are able to save 5% a month you will be encouraged to do more, and you can start saving 6%, 7% or any amount that you can do comfortably that will help you out in the long run. The fifth factor is to "Protect your family (and yourself)" Do everything that you can to protect your family and yourself in the future.