3. Have an emergency fund
For age and want, save while you may; no morning sun lasts a whole day.
--Benjamin FranklinThe first step in constructing any serious financial plan is to create an emergency cash fund--ideally, three to six months' living expenses--stashed in a low-cost ultrasafe bank account or money-market fund. Without this financial cushion, any unexpected expense can derail your long-term plans.
These days, happily, that emergency stash won't just sit idle. Top bank accounts like the one at UFB Direct (888-580-0049) and perennially competitive money funds like Vanguard Prime (800-851-4999) now pay more than 5%.
Everyone's got concerns when it comes to money, but some have fears that can really put a big hole in their financial future. Here's how to overcome five common ones. (more) 
The answer has nothing to do with finding the single perfect stock or mutual fund. The key is changing your idea of what the 'right' investment really is. (more) 
