Let's be honest: Spending money can sometimes be too easy for our own good. With a few purchases here, a few purchases there, bills and receipts add up quickly, and before we know it­–poof!–it seems like our money has disappeared.

Only it wasn't a magic trick; it was likely a lack of self-control, financial awareness, or both. If you find this disappearing act happening often or simply want to start saving more money, try these nine tips from American Consumer Credit Counseling to help you reign in your spending:

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5 Sounds Your HVAC System Should Never Make

You probably recognize the typical low, blowing sounds your HVAC system makes. However, sometimes, it can make irregular sounds. When it makes a sound you haven't heard before or that doesn't seem quite right, you may choose to ignore it, perhaps thinking it will eventually go away. But this could be a big mistake. There are at least five kinds of sounds your heating and air conditioning system could make that indicate serious problems that you must not ignore:

Rattling

The most common reason for rattling is a loose nut, bolt or piece of wiring. It could also mean a buildup of twigs, leaves, or other debris in the outside unit. However, it could be a more serious problem. For example, the motor bearings might be going out. If you can't find the problem yourself after a quick examination, it's time to call for professional diagnosis and service.

Banging

You should call an air conditioning mainte...

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Being an entrepreneur has many benefits that are worthwhile skills to teach children. Being your own boss can give you control over your future, as well as provide self-confidence, accomplishment, resilience and independent thinking, among other things.

If your kids aren't already in business for themselves, here are some ways to encourage them to at least think about it:

Discuss What They Enjoy

You probably do this anyway as a parent, but talk to your children about what they're naturally good at and what they enjoy; it should help them figure out what type of business they may want to start.

If they're good at math, maybe they could work as math tutors to younger students. If they love dogs, then a dog-walking business might be a good way...

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Someone dies from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease every 43 seconds in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association (AHA). To help you live a longer, healthier life, the AHA notes seven things you can do to reduce your chances of a heart attack or stroke.

Know your risk. 

Certain factors can increase your risk, including smoking, kidney disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes and a family history of early heart disease. Many risk factors can be prevented or managed by making lifestyle changes.

Eat healthy. ...

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Children are often victims of identity theft for two reasons: They have a clean identity that probably hasn't been used much and can be exploited in many ways, and there's often a large gap between the theft and when it's discovered.

Fraudsters will usually wait years before applying for a mortgage or credit card with a child's personal information, used to create a shadow identity. They'll build credit with a cell phone service account, for example, and build to financing a car. Stealing a child's name, Social Security number (SSN) and date of birth can be enough to get thieves started.

Parents need to be the first line of defense against child identity theft. It's a crime they may not realize has been happening for years. Most victims are 12 when their identity is stolen, but discovery doesn't happen until they are 17, according to a survey by ExperianÂ...

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