You may not be able to buy love, but getting married can be one of life’s major expenses. Although the economic downturn has caused many couples to decrease their budgets, the average wedding still costs between $21,000 and $24,000, according to the Association for Wedding Professionals International. Fortunately, there are strategies that can help you cut costs. “There are ways you can save, while still getting the wedding you want,” says Kelly Williams, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank.

Does the word “budget” make you cringe? The fact is, learning how to work with one is important for building a strong financial foundation. “Budgeting provides you with a financial plan and allows you to manage your money, rather than having your money manage you,” says Andy Johnston, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank.

Even in a good economy, many parents feel overwhelmed by the thought of saving for their child’s college education.

 “Saving for college doesn’t have to be complicated,” says Nicole Lowe, a financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank. “The key is to simplify this task so parents can tackle it confidently, beginning when their children are very young.”

Even with the best of intentions, it's easy to lose track of holiday spending. But by following the basic principles of debt management, you're more likely to spend within your means - and have less to worry about when bills come due.

But what really is debt management? According to Kristel Johnson, a financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank, "It's a process that helps you manage and control your saving and spending." She provides a few debt management strategies to help you stay on track this holiday season:

It's often said that a baby changes everything. This is especially true financially. When preparing for a new baby, prospective parents need to consider many different financial concerns and plan accordingly. Here are a few examples:

• Immediate expenses, especially for a first child, may include a car seat, stroller and nursery items, such as a crib, dresser and changing table. Parents may also need to factor in non-reimbursed medical expenses and unpaid maternity leave.

Most parents find it difficult to simultaneously fund their children's college education and their own retirement. However, a few tips can help them establish priorities - and develop a plan that makes the most of the money they do invest.

Graduating from college and entering the "real world" can be as scary as it is exciting. Within a short time, new graduates are expected to find a job and become financially able to support themselves. But, what does it take to become financially self-sufficient?