It can be a little headspinning at times to manage your personal finances, with details like bills, pay stubs, W-2s, 401(k)s, and the like making it hard at times to see the big picture. Even so, managing your money doesn't have to be overwhelming, and MyMoney.gov aims to help you see the big picture.

The site's a creation of the Federal Financial Literacy and Education Commission, and works to help further the mission of helping people understand their personal finances. To make the process a little easier, MyMoney.gov breaks its advice down into five basic elements, the "MyMoney Five." Here are the basics:

1. Earn: Know the details about your pay and benefits, including any withholdings, deductions, taxes, and non-monetary compensation.
2. Save: Make saving a habit, so you can plan for future expenditures and be prepared for unanticipated expenses.
3. Protect: Protect yourself by monitoring your credit report, purchasing adequate insurance (including renters' insurance), keeping an emergency fund, and maintaining proper records of your finances.
4. Spend: Shop wisely! Make a budget, be a comparison shopper, and work to live within your means.
5. Borrow: Be wise about borrowing, too. Understand details like interest rates, keep track of what you've borrowed, and pay your bills on time.

You can learn much more about the MyMoney Five at mymoney.gov.