Start smart this year

Money may not buy happiness, but money problems sure can be an express ticket to the doldrums. This year, do yourself a favor and get on top of your finances. Here are five strategies to help you seize control of your green.

Buck up

At the end of each day, take a dollar from your wallet and stash it, says Mary Hunt, author of “Debt-Proof Living: The Complete Guide to Living Financially Free.” In a year, you’ll have $365 to put toward a vacation or splurge

Don’t over-cell

“Cell phones are a hidden money leak,” warns Hunt, but a necessary evil if you need to be reachable because of kids or work.

It’s cost-effective to have a set monthly plan, but if you routinely exceed your minutes, go with a prepaid plan—you’ll always know how many minutes are left.

Make W-4 work for you

Receive a tax refund year after year? That isn’t found money – it is cash you loaned the IRS at no interest.

You need to adjust your holdings, says Stephanie Nelson, a personal finance correspondent for “Good Morning America.”

Your take-home pay will increase and you can always put the difference in an account with interest.

Buy a house

You’ve heard it before, and it’s true: Owning a home is almost always more fiscally responsible than renting.

“You’re building equity and you get a tax deduction, which, if you live in a high-tax area or make over $75,000 a year, makes a big difference,” says Galia Gichon of downtoearthfinance.com.

If you don’t own yet, start saving. Even $50 a month will get you on track toward the American Dream.

Pitch the plastic

Credit cards encourage you to buy items you can’t afford, and worse, they charge interest for the privilege.

One poll found that half of Americans have at least three credit cards.

That’s two too many, says Hunt, who advocates keeping one card for purchases like airline tickets and paying the balance every month.