We never thought about it as treasure hunting, but as kids we searched the bushes and alleys for empty bottles that were returnable for a deposit. Looking back on it, I realize that this is the essence of treasure hunting. We were never sure what we would find, but always hopeful that peaking into the next bush would reveal our "treasure." We were excited by our finds, of course, and eager to cash them in so we could buy candy at the nearest store.

Interestingly, this is actually a fairly profitable treasure hunting activity for some adults now. Since the various deposit laws have gone into effect in many states, almost all cans and bottles are worth ten cents each. When I lived in Traverse City, Michigan, there was an old man who rode his bicycle around and collected empty bottles and cans from bushes, garbage cans, and anywhere he found them. I caught him on a park bench one day and asked him how much he made doing this. "It pays all of my rent," he told me. Rent wasn't cheap in Traverse City.

Other "returnable hunters" have told me that they can make $100 in a couple hours at outdoor rock concerts. Collecting a thousand sticky cans and bottles doesn't sound like a great job, but it works for them. Some other forms of treasure hunting follow.

Treasure Hunting - The Unusual Ways

Searching for gray water dumps. If you see a depression behind an old building, with bushes growing around the edges, it may have been a "gray water" dump. Before sewer systems were common, this is where the drains from sinks and showers emptied. Small rings, coins, gems and other old treasures are regularly dug out of these by treasure hunters. Just watch out for the razors.

Looking inside walls. One couple found that there can be treasure in the walls of old houses. They bought a home that had belonged to a movie theater owner in the twenties. When they decided to remodel, they opened up a wall and discovered that the walls had been insulated with classic and rare movie posters. It was a fire hazard, but one that turned out to be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to collectors. makes you want to poke around in the walls of an old building or two, doesn't it?

Harvesting gold from moss. A man found piles of dry moss in an old barn on a property he had bought. He learned that the moss was collected and sold to garden-supply stores. He burned it to dispose of it, and found with globs of gold in the ashes. The moss was from a gold-bearing stream, where he now regularly harvests more. Gold flecks get trapped in the moss.

Collecting electrical insulators. Old glass electrical insulators can still be found on telegraph poles laying in the weeds along many train tracks. I've found and sold a few. The thousands still out there are getting shot at and destroyed by kids and hunters, so don't feel bad about taking them.

Searching lake bottoms. Drought lowers the water in ponds, and sometimes reservoirs are emptied. When either of these happens, things appear that have been out of sight for years - sometimes valuable things. Treasure hunting in these cases may just mean walking around at the right time.

Straining through the dust. Some car-wash owners have been finding treasure in their garbage. They search the big vacuum tanks when they empty them (what did you vacuum up under that car seat?). Both money and jewelry are common finds. Treasure hunting takes many forms.

We could all become financially successful if we simply changed the way we think. I don't think it is a stretch at all to say that thinking has changed drastically over the past thirty years. Credit cards are now prevalent, commercialism has even spread to the schools and advertisments bombard us at every corner.

It used to be that the main stream financial thought was to save up and then purchase. A few people had charge accounts with local department stores and such, but these were paid in full each month, or the person didn't dare show their face in the store until it was paid.

Nowadays, most of us simply buy now and worry about the payments later. This has led to massive credit card debt, rising bankruptcy numbers and even more credit companies popping up every day.

What we need is a change of thinking. And I believe that this is happening in many places. Especially among the young professional people. Here are a few changes that are being made:

1. Getting out of debt.

Instead of bragging about the big ticket items just purchased, many people are starting to brag about paying off the car loan, paying off the mortgage, being debt free, having no credit card debt, and so on. The bragging point comes in that so many people's lives are simply falling apart due to their spending and charging. A financially-free lifestyle is becoming the "in" thing among many crowds of people. Especially those that are young and investment savvy.

2. Saving for retirement.

Many young couples are seeing the increased seniors in the workplace and saying "not for me." They are investing in 401(k)s and other retirement accounts. Yet, not enough are really saving for retirement. The number saving may increase as they begin to see their parents struggle with too little in the retirement funds. And the added incentive of an early retirement is exciting to many young people.

3. Investments for the future.

Many younger people understand how interest works. All it takes is one bad go round with credit cards to really experience compounding interest. Many are taking this formally negative force and making it positive through investments. Savings, stocks, CDs and other investments are becoming increasingly popular as people change their thinking about investments. They aren't simply for the rich and upper class anymore. They are also for the up and coming generation.

You could sum it up as the new way of thinking should be: charge little, save more and invest for the future. Financial decisions cannot be made lightly. You must think before you accept the ideas that are around you. When everyone suggests you can simply charge it, you know better. You know that in charging it, you will have to work for many more years before you can retire. You know that while they may be working, you can be playing -- all because you changed your way of thinking about money now.

Being frugal simply becomes a way of life. When you have the desire, the knowledge and the attitude, you are motivated to be frugal in your living. Consider it a challenge to cut costs but maintian your quality of living. You simply have to look at things in the right way.

Being frugal doesn't always mean taking the long way to what you want or working extra hard for something. While grinding your own whole wheat flour saves you a lot of money, not everyone has the time for that. Instead, look at the ways you can be frugal in your life, not someone elses.

You can be frugal and buy convenience foods, like frozen lasagna and pre-cut veggies. While it is cheaper to make them from scratch, they are still cheaper than eating out. And if you are trying to cut your eating-out bill, you are doing a frugal thing by eating in. It is your own version of fast food.

The idea behind frugal living isn't to do without. It is living without the things you don't need. It is getting rid of the clutter. It is using your money on things that really matter to you and your family. It empowers you to really appreciate the little things.

But if you look at it as a sacrifice, it probably won't work for you. And you can't go out and copy someone else's frugal lifestyle and expect it to work. All the fun is in looking at where you can find the things to cut out yourself. Being frugal is a challenge. A fun and rewarding one.

Take the time to look around your home and see what you can do more frugally. Can you use dishtowels instead of paper towels? Can you use a closeline instead of a dryer? Can you only vaccuum twice a week instead of four times? Can you make some things yourself?

There are some unexpected things that come along with the frugal lifestyle. There is the sense of accomplishment. There is pride. There is learning that you can do a lot more than you thought you could. There is learning to manage your finances wisely. And by doing so, there are savings for retirement, college tuitions and vacations.

Frugal living is rewarding. Start out with the right attitude and goals and you will find that it is a challenge that is easily met.

Babies change everything, even your finances. Having a baby can get quite expensive. You may not believe it -- after all, they are quite tiny -- yet, they are able to really hit your wallet hard.

When it comes to money, it is always easier to be prepared and plan ahead. Start planning for the purchases you will need to make for your baby as soon as possible. Go ahead and revise your budget to include both one-time expenses, such as a crib and car seat, and extended expenses, such as health care, diapers and baby food.

Chances are that this is your first time at a budget. Go ahead and start living by it well before the baby arrives. This will prepare you for life with baby by making your finances easier to manage. You won't have to worry if you have money for diapers if you have already set some aside.

To take advantage of tax benefits and insurance, you will need a Social Security Number for your child. This will also be required to open a bank account or investment account for your child.

The easiest way to apply for your child's Social Security Number is at the hospital before you leave. You will need both parent's Social Security Numbers in order to apply. The hospital will send the information to the Social Security Administration for you. You will receive the card in the mail shortly, so be on the watch out for it.

One of the top things you will need to do is review your insurance needs. You will need to reevaluate both your life and health insurance coverage. Over the years, a child can add hundreds of dollars of expenses to your budget. In the case of your death, your life insurance will need to be adequate to cover these expenses. Select the amount of coverage that will pay the mortgage, cover living and child care expenses and even provide a college fund for your children.

If you can afford the premiums, you should have disability insurance. A young parent is more likely to become disabled than to die. Disability insurance helps replace a part of your income until you are well again.

With health care, a baby is a qualifying event which can be added at any time. Make sure you add the baby as soon as possible to avoid any bills being turned down by your insurance company. Believe me, the hospital will send those out as soon as possible.

You will need to revise your W-4 to reflect the additional dependent. This will add a little more money to your take home pay.

Sit down and prepare a will. Take the time to name a guardian for your child in case something happens to you. This is especially important if your family does not live near you. If something happens to you and there is no named guardian, the state could determine who gets to take care of your child. If you have a guardian, the child will go directly to who you want him or her to.

Babies change more than just your nightime sleep schedule -- they change every aspect of your life. I remember the time I thought that a small little baby couldn't cost that much. After just two years, I realize I was very mistaken. There are many expenses to account for. If you are prepared, you won't have to worry about money when you haven't slept for a week.

Identity theft is a growing problem in the U.S. While it is impossible to completely erase your risk of becoming a victim of this growing crime trend, there are ways to reduce your risk.

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your permission. It can happen to anyone. Basically, someone uses your personal information to open up a credit card, bank account, loan or utilities in your name. They may even have a fake driver's license or Social Security card with your name on it.

The first way to prevent this from happening to you is to be vigilant about protecting your Social Security number. Don't give it out unless it is absolutely necessary or required by law. If you are over 25, you will receive a statement from the Social Security Administration each year. Check to make sure that the income amounts are correct on it. Ask businesses to use a different number for your account rather than use your SSN. And don't give out your children's numbers either.

It isn't a good idea to carry your SSN card with you. Likewise, you shouldn't have any passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs) written down either. Thieves can use these numbers to access your accounts. Instead, use hard to guess numbers and passwords that you will remember. Don't write them down.

You shouldn't throw away any documents with any personal information on them without shredding them. Credit card offers, charge receipts, insurance forms, cheks and bank statements are gold for theives. Believe me, they will go through your trash to find these gems. If you have a fireplace, burn them if you would rather. Also, don't throw your duplicates checks in the trash. Not only is your account number on them, the account numbers for all of your bills are as well.

With that in mind, you should keep a minimum of personal information on you and in your office desk at home. Don't carry your birth certificate, extra credit cards, SSN or passport unless you will be using it. Put everything you don't need in a hidden safe or a safe deposit box. Make copies of all cards you do carry and your bank and investment account numbers for your safe place. Add phone numbers and this will give you an emergency contact list if your wallet is stolen or your home broken into.

Most people worry about identity theft and fraud on your internet, when in fact it is much closer to home. It is as near as your mailbox. It is much easier to remove mail from your mailbox than it is to hack into your computer. Remove your mail as soon as possible. Have it held if you are going to be out of town. Never mail you bills in your mailbox, instead drop it at the post office or in a secure post office mailbox. Remember, that red flag signals more than the mailman.

Keep a close watch on your accounts and statements. Watch to make sure that everything adds up. If a bill doesn't arrive on time, call your bank or creditor immediately -- the account could have been taken over by a stranger and the address changed. Check your credit report at least once a year for accounts that aren't yours.

Identity theft happens frequently. Chances are that it has happened to several people you know. The best prevention is closely guarding your information.

Listed below are 8 common financial mistakes couples make. Read through this list with your partner and identify one mistake that you’d both be willing to change. After you’ve made that change, identify another mistake you could change. Continue until you’ve transformed all your mistakes into successes!

1. Doing nothing at all

Many couples don’t even know what they should do to improve their finances so they do nothing at all. Don’t let this be you. Do something purchase a financial book, take a workshop, or find a professional who can help you get on the right track. There are a many financial resources that can dramatically change your life.

2. Not identifying values and setting life goals

It’s easy to discuss dreams and goals in the beginning stages of your relationship. However, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals with each passing year. Make an effort to identify your values and meaningful goals. Your values are the things that “drive and inspire you.” Identify your top 5 values and set goals based on those values.

3. Not creating a financial plan

Many couples just let life happen to them, assuming that they will somehow “get by”. Write down your financial goals and create a plan for how you can accomplish those goals. For example, create a plan for paying off your credit card debt, increasing income, or reducing your expenses.

4. Inconsistent action

Many Couples falsely believe that if they’ve made one really good financial move they’ve done enough. They open a retirement account and continue to invest the same amount year after year without re-evaluating. Or they start an emergency savings account and put a small one-time lump sum of money in it. The secret to success lies in taking consistent bite-size steps and continually setting new financial goals.

5. Staying stuck in old behaviors

Next time you’re having a financial discussion with your partner and you find yourself getting angry, consider trying a new approach. If you normally get quiet and withdrawn, challenge yourself to stay open. Try to see things from your partners perspective. Although it can be difficult, practice validating your partner’s perspective by repeating what your partner’s words so he/she feels heard.

6. Not tracking expenses & income

Most couples don’t track their income, and if they are they are tracking their income, they get stuck in using complex and time consuming systems that don’t allow them to see the “big picture.” You can track your expenses and income by analyzing your bank statements or purchasing financial software programs like “Quicken” or “Microsoft money”. Studies prove that you are more likely to make changes if you are track and measure your behavior and spending habits.

7. Buying new vehicles

Consider how much money you could save by not taking out a new car loan. Apply the wisdom from the following story: My friend’s daughter always seemed to find the most expensive clothes when she went shopping, because she would only look at the most expensive clothing displays. My friend later encouraged her daughter to limit herself to looking at the sales rack. Sure enough her daughter found something that she liked for a lot less money! When you go looking for a car, look at used cars instead of new cars.