For most households, savings and assets are the critical first line of defense against emergencies, unforeseen expenses, and income interruptions. Help your household by learning family finance skills. Examples include:
•Â Â Â Identify money habits and attitudes
•Â Â Â Live within your means by spending less than what you earn
•Â Â Â Track and reduce expenses, while following a budget
•Â Â Â Avoid debt and manage loans wisely
•Â Â Â Build good credit
•Â Â Â Avoid payday lenders, pawn shops, and loan sharks
•Â Â Â Build an emergency fund
•Â Â Â Ask tough questions and set goals