Smart Spending Is Big Part Of Money Management Financial counselors suggest saving at least 10% of earnings, and 20% for the self-employed.(A)(Mutual Weekly Special)

Byline: Claire Mencke

Investor's Business Daily

Looking at many financial publications, you might think all that readers need to know about managing their money is how to invest it.

But that's really just part of the story, experts say. For everyone who's puzzled about where to put his savings, others have much bigger problems with spending - or debt.

"Many people have blind spots about money that are reflexive and unconscious," said Kathleen Gurney, a psychologist

specializing in money issues. "They're there all the time, and become bad behavior habits."

Part of this problem may come from ignorance. Many people get little or bad instruction from their parents and families on how to run their financial affairs.

Slippery Slope

That lack of knowledge can be the start of a slippery slope leading to bad financial habits. A recent …