As consumers across the United States are being affected by the housing crisis and the credit crunch, personal finance websites are noticing an upswing in traffic. Consumers are using Google as their financial counselor and looking for information on how to secure their personal financial future. Read on to learn more about the top five personal finance sites.

Kiplinger.com
Kiplinger is known world-wide for providing fantastic personal finance news. The main graphic on its website touts “Timely, Trust Personal Finance Advice & Business Forecasts” and Kiplinger.com lives up to this claim. The website is fantastic for both those new to personal finance and experienced professionals.

“The Basics” section of the website provides information on investing, money management, credit and debt, taxes and more. In addition, the site provides several in depth guides on topics ranging from Going Green to Paying for College. Check out Kiplinger.com today.

Dave Ramsey Online
Personal finance and real estate expert Dave Ramsey is known for his in your face, tell it like it is style. With a nationally-syndicated radio show, a television show on the Fox Business Network and the most popular iTunes business podcast, Ramsey listeners reach upwards of 3 million per day. While Dave Ramsey may not have the best in personal finance bedside manner, the majority of his information is great and perfect for those looking to get out, and stay out, of debt.

On the Dave Ramsey website, he offers several free services including referrals to Endorsed Local Providers so that consumers can meet with a professional in their area. In addition to the free services, Ramsey also has the subscription-based My Total Money Makeover Online and Financial Peace University Online.

The Motley Fool
The Motley Fool’s motto is “To Educate, Amuse & Enrich” and the site absolutely lives up to this claim. Not only does the Motley Fool provide the latest in personal finance news, they also provide a humorous spin to their articles which instantly engages the reader. The personal finance section of the Motley Fool provides information on saving & spending, credit & debt, home & real estate and death & taxes. That pretty much covers every aspect of personal finance.

CNNMoney.com
The internet site of Money magazine, CNNMoney.com provides consumers with information on a variety of personal finance topics. One of the most popular parts of the CNNMoney.com site is the “Ask the Expert” section. Recent topics include cashing out or holding firm with an IRA, understanding all of the terminology and acronyms used by financial advisors and asset allocation information.

MSN Money
Microsoft has its hand in everything; personal finance sites included. The MSN Money website is fantastic and easy to navigate and provides a wealth of information for consumers. The message boards at the site are hosted by noted author Liz Pulliam Weston. Whether you are looking for information on family and college planning or preparation for a comfortable retirement, MSN Money can meet those needs.

The five websites listed here are just a sampling of some of the fantastic personal finance sites on the internet. If you have a favorite site that isn’t listed, please post a comment below with a link so that others can check it out!