Tending to your finances can be dreary sometimes. It can be hard to stop procrastinating and actually sit down and cross some things off your financial to-do list. That's why we've created a series of quick "60-second" guides meant to help you get a few things done. Look over the list below and click into those that interest you most.

Choosing a Broker: We'll show you how to pick the best broker and set up your account. But picking the stocks is up to you.

Managing Your Credit: Who cares about your credit record? Even if you don't give a hoot, your mortgage broker, insurer, employer, and even your future spouse just might.

Opening an IRA: It's tough to find a better bargain than an Individual Retirement Account. You can save for retirement and lower your taxes at the same time. We'll show you how it's done.

Short-Term Savings: Give us 60 seconds and we'll show you how to establish a short-term stash of emergency cash to cover life's little hiccups.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs): Want to own an index fund without owning an index fund? Here's the low-down on exchange-traded funds -- the index funds that trade like stocks.

Index Investing: Here's the one mutual fund we really love: the index fund. It's investing at its simplest and smartest. Both beginners and experts should have one of these.

Maximizing Your 401(k): Are you missing out on free money? Here's how to make the most of your employer-sponsored retirement plan.

Optimizing Your Mortgage: Your house payment is probably your largest monthly expense. Spending 60 seconds reviewing how you might lower it could do wonders for your budget.

Getting Out of Debt: Picture yourself debt-free -- no more guilt, no more anxiety. Here's how to plan your escape.

For more Foolishness, visit our Personal Finance area, our Investing Basics area, and our Fool's School. You can also learn a lot via our acclaimed How-to Guides and online seminars and our book, The Motley Fool Money Guide: Answers to Your Questions About Saving, Spending and Investing .