The American economy is built on paradoxes: There are just as many financiallly successful medical companies devoted to helping you quit smoking as there are tobacco corporations designed to help you start. Personal finance is no different. Even in a recession, it seems there’s no limit to the number of institutions willing to extend credit to people who don’t need to use it. This is where these blogs come in. They’re all about getting back on the right financial path, whether that means reducing personal debt from credit cards or loans, refinancing your home, balancing your budget, or just making smarter spending decisions. The first thing to do when you notice you’re in a hole is stop digging; next, read these.

1. The Simple Dollar: Trent Hamm experienced what he calls a “financial meltdown” in 2006 that prompted him to take drastic measures to get his financial life in order. Within months, he’d eradicated his credit card debt and established a much-needed emergency fund. His informative and frequently updated blog is required reading for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by money problems. He’s also on Facebook and Twitter. Sample post: Personal Finance 101: Comparing Debts and Developing a Debt Repayment Plan.




2. Wise Bread: Wise Bread’s tagline is “Living large on a small budget.” The site is run by a community of bloggers who contribute posts on topics as diverse as personal budgeting, living frugally, and how to find the best deals on your favorite products. The posts are easy to navigate, and they offer a rotating list of popular pieces to help newcomers get acquainted with their style and mission. They’re active in social media (here and here), and they’re popular for their no-nonsense approach to living. Sample post: Best Money Tips: 20 Signs You Need a Financial Makeover.




3. Get Rich Slowly: Everyone wants to get rich quick and achieve some fantasy version of the American Dream. Author J.D. Roth, however, preaches the opposite: accrual of personal wealth through slow, steady, responsible work in investment and saving. His rules are so simple they almost sound counterintuitive — spend less than you earn, pay yourself first — but they honestly work. They’re a breath of fresh air for beleaguered consumers done in by promises of instant riches. Sample post: How to Start a Roth IRA (and Where to Do It).




4. The Digerati Life: Run by Silicon Valley Blogger (SVB for short), who also contributes to Wise Bread, The Digerati Life covers all manner of tips and news related to personal finance. It’s a great place to go to get simple, easy-to-follow blog posts about how to shop better, invest smarter, and generally put your money to better use. There’s also an entire section dedicated to free money offers from financial institutions. One of the best out there. Sample post: A Healthy, Colorful Diet: Good For The Waistline & Wallet.




5. Moolanomy: The owner of Moolanomy started the blog to chronicle his personal experiences of managing money and working toward smart goals with his wife and family. As a result, his blog is full of honest stories about his own mistakes and successes and how readers can use those experiences as examples to improve their own financial lives. He also frequently contributes posts to other blogs in the personal finance community and invites other writers to do the same on his site. Sample post: Dividend Investing 101: Why You Should Buy Dividend-Paying Stocks.




6. Money Ning: Founded by David Ning in 2007, this blog has three main objectives: debt reduction, personal saving, and a broader awareness of the relationship between smart spending and happiness. In addition to helpful offerings like travel info and coupons, the blog offers a wealth of information for consumers looking to make better choices. Ning takes a direct approach to dealing with debt, and the posts about planning for retirement are fantastic for workers at all levels. Sample post: How Not to Worry About Money.




7. Common Sense With Money: Mercedes, a CPA, started this blog in 2007 to document her family’s journey to financial stability by making smart, frugal spending choices. In addition to tips and tricks for stretching a dollar, you can find tons of great coupons and offers here, which makes it a great site to check frequently. Sample post: Stop Paying Someone Else’s Credit Card Debt.




8. Consumerism Commentary: This blog has been operating since 2003 — an eternity in web years — and has garnered plenty of praise since then from readers and press. As with many personal finance blogs, it was born to help the author make public declarations of his spending in order to set examples for readers and get helpful tips from the community. The posts are a wonderful mix of offers, tips, and insights into personal financial planning. Sample post: No More Credit Card Debt, Now We Need a New Budget.




9. Free Money Finance: The proprietor of Free Money Finance grew up in a lower-income household but was able to work hard and eventually achieve financial stability thanks to a few simple but firm rules about prudent spending. His personal experience paying off his mortgage way ahead of schedule is an inspiring tale for home buyers and proof that it is possible to get out of debt and plan for early retirement. Required reading for anyone who wants to make a big change in the way they live and spend. Sample post: Bundling Doesn’t Always Save You Money.




10. My Dollar Plan: Started by Madison DuPaix in 2007, My Dollar Plan features several authors focusing on every aspect of financial planning, with plenty of smart commentary about the latest business news. The tax tips alone make it worth reading, and there are dozens of valuable links and resources archived there, as well. Sample post: Roth Conversion Strategy to Minimize Taxes.