For some strange reason, I keep receiving issues of Money Magazine in the  mail. I’m not mad about it; I just don’t recall signing up. Still, my name is on these bad boys, so I decided to pop open an issue and check it out.

What I found was a wealth of awesome financial advice … for old people. Don’t fancy pants editors of money mags realize this recession is screwing EVERYBODY over and not just John and Suzy Q. Public with their 2.3 kids, minivan and yuppie guilt?

Money says that the average family can save $500 a month, just by putting that cash away in a savings account before any other bills are paid out. Good advice. But with student loans, rent and a car payment and no roommates, I don’t know that I even have that much to sacrifice.

I started looking for careful alternatives; ways that I could pocket some Benjamins for a shopping spree or spur-of-the-moment trip to the East coast. That’s when it hit me: Netspend.

Netspend is a service that offers a prepaid credit card with a VISA logo on it. Now, most of us DO have bank account debit cards and even credit cards. But if you tend to lack self-control, then Netspend is cool.

You can download a direct deposit form and have the company deduct any pre-determined amount of money from your wages. This way, that cash is untouched, out of sight and out of mind.

A good starting point if you don’t make a lot of money is about three percent of your check. Before you know it, you’ll have a nice little cushion to fall back on. And, unlike your financial institution, Netbank doesn’t charge late or overdraft fees.

Another great way to drum up needed cash for your baller lifestyle is by forming a cooperative or co-op. This is defined as an association of individuals who sell goods and services to finance a common goal or need.

As a little kid, my parents and I used to go to the dopest co-op. They sold cheap candies, clothes, mechanic services – everything.

Are you and your crew looking to getaway for Labor Day with no cash in sight? Why not pool your resources, start a Web site or post an ad on Craigslist showcasing your fashion design skills or your buddy’s stellar DJ work.

Got a friend who’s an excellent hairstylist or one who can give guitar lessons? Well, grab ’em up and bring them into the fold.

Set up a Paypal account and then establish the fees for your goods and services. As the money rolls in, you’ll see your balance grow and grow.

When it’s time to cash out, everyone gets an equal stake and the ability to join in on the fun. OK, so it does sound a bit like communism, but in this case, it’s for a good cause (your fun and debauchery), so it’s not like it’s the end of the world.

Finally, one of the easiest and best changes you can utilize would be a nice downgrading session. I refuse to give up my cell phone or cable TV. But instead of paying a ton of money for a fancy iPhone, I have a Virgin Mobile device purchased at my friendly 7-Eleven. Ha! Ha! Many of you are laughing and/or rolling your eyes, but I’ve lowered my bill from $160 per month to a mere $40 a month, just by going prepaid.

As for cable, I’ll shank a skank for touching my HBO. So, I’ve focused on one premium package, and I Netflix the rest. That’s bank, baby.