Do you want to make money with open source software? Would you like to know how to use open source software to save money or even just manage money better? With so many ways to include open source software and hardware in your everyday life, sometimes the hardest part is just figuring out what options are available to you and how to make the best use of them. If money matters are dragging you down, free and open source software and hardware may be just what you need to get on better financial footing.

Making Money with Open Source

Cutting coupons, buying things on sale, and generally being frugal can go a long way toward building wealth. But, often, it just comes down to not having enough income. No matter how careful you are with your purchases, you may just need to make more money. And while you might think of open source software and hardware as meaningful ideologies and fun hobbies, they can also be a great source of income ... if you know how to use them that way.

• Open Source Programming Lessons for Everyone
  Software development is a very lucrative career, and there's a real shortage of programmers in the United States right now. While some jobs require a college degree in Computer Science, others just need you to demonstrate you know what you're doing.
  
  
• Beginning Open Source Development with Python
  Not ready to commit to formal programming lessons? You can still sample the basics for free right from your own home ... or a local coffee shop.
  
  
• Free (and Open Source) Beer for Everyone!
  Remember making a little extra money as a kid with a neighborhood lemonade stand? Well, you're all grown up now, so how about earning an income by brewing up open source beer?
  
  

• 5 Ways to Make Money With Open Source Software
  Looking for even more ideas about how to make money with open source software? Whether you're a programmer, a talented technical writer, or something else altogether, you've got options.
  
  
• 5 Ways to Make Money with Open Source Hardware
  Finally, if you're more hardware- than software-oriented, you need to be sure to check out open source software's younger cousin, open source hardware.

Saving Money with Open Source

If you're happy with how much money you make but not how much things cost, then open source alternatives to life's necessities could have the pricetag you've been hoping to see. While not everything open source is free of cost, a lot of it is, and the rest is still generally pretty affordable on many budgets.

• Going Back to School with Open Source
  Every parent -- and most college-aged students -- know that school supplies can be very expensive. But, with some smart open source choices you can get all the software you need at a fraction of the cost.
  
  
• Open Source for Design Students
  And if your education happens to include an art and design school, we've got some helpful hints specifically with you in mind.
  
  
• Take Repairs Into Your Own Hands with the iFixit App
  When things break, you can either shell out lots of money to replace or have them fixed ... or you can repair them yourself and pocket all the extra cash.
  
  
• 8 Ways to Get Fit with Open Source
  A gym membership is a great way to stay active and get into shape. It's also a great way to burn through your savings in no time flat. Find out how to stay fit for free with open source.
  
  
• 5 Ways to Save Money With Open Source Software
  If none of these ideas appealed to you, don't worry, open source software is nothing if not extensive!

Manage Money with Open Source

You earn a good income, and the cost of living in your area isn't bad. Does that mean your finances can't be improved? Of course not! From keeping track of where your money goes and making use of your digital currency investments to better gift-giving and donations for a good cause (and a good tax break), there's almost always a way to do things better.

• Manage Your Expenses with dsBudget
  If you have a sneaking suspicion that you're spending too much money on, say, doughnuts, but you're just not 100% sure, you need to track your expenses better to verify that you're spending -- and saving -- in all the right places.
  
  
• 4 Apps to Manage Your Bitcoin Fortune
  Virtual digital currencies are changing the way that commerce is done, but it's a big departure from the way that money traditionally changes hands.
  
  
• The O'Reilly Animals
  Want to save on your taxes and also feel good about yourself? O'Reilly's goal isn't just to educate the open source world, it's to make the world at-large a better place for everyone.
  
  
• Gifts for the Open Source Women in Your Life
  Let's face it, gift-giving is unavoidable. And, when done right -- and with open source in mind -- it can even be a lot of fun to buy for the women in your life ...
  
  
• Gifts for the Open Source Men in Your Life
  ... and for the men in your life.

Finally, if all of this talk of money and finances has you feeling a little on-edge, put the mouse down, take a few deep breaths, and listen to 10 Open Source Audio Tracks to De-Stress.