CNNMoney.com recently published an article that lists 20 financial web sites it considers tops. The sites vary in their focus, but each offers useful tools for people interested in better understanding and managing their finances.

Here’s an overview of the ground covered in the sites.

• Retirement savings: How much should you save for retirement? Are you on the right track? What will your future expenses look like? Luckily, there are online tools to help you answer these difficult questions and an online write-up to help you navigate the site these tools are found.
• Stocks and investing: From questions of portfolio diversity to risk levels to choosing what stocks to buy, the web has options for you. No matter where you are in your investing career, you can likely find helpful strategies and pointers at some of the sites mentioned.
• Spending and credit: Looking to trim your costs? Trying to figure out which credit cards you should keep and which ones you could get rid of? Look no further than the CNN list. The sites provided cover a variety of topics, including understanding your credit card (and the laws regulating it) and how to shift your saving/spending balance. Also know that you may be able to get credit card debt wiped out by filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
• Questions of home ownership: Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood that suits you, trying to determine whether you should hire a contractor or otherwise streamline your homeownership, there are sites to help you along. These can save you legwork, as many of them have information from around the country.
• Your health: Not sure who to see for a particular ailment? Looking for the best nearby hospital for a specific procedure? The money-management sites have tools for you.
• Employment: In this economy, many of us are either looking for work, looking for extra work or trying to stay sharp so our employers don’t let us go. Luckily, you don’t need to bend over backwards to find ways to keep on your toes: online resources can help you find work or better prepare yourself for it.
• Major purchases: Whether you’re in the market for a car, a stereo or airfare, there are web sites devoted to helping you find the best price.
• Minor purchases: Looking for coupons and discounts for less significant, everyday purchases? You’re in luck. Online directories also have you covered on this front.
• Charitable giving: Ever worried that the money you mean to give to a good cause will end up in the hands of a rascally scammer? Worry no more. A site for navigating charities rounds out the list of online resources to help you spend and save smarter.

Bottom line: Check out the list and see what online tools you can start using today!

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