Establish and Maintain an Emergency Fund

The Emergency Fund is the financial foundation of a strong financial and retirement plan. It provides a cushion when life delivers an unexpected event or the economy slows for an extended period of time.  

Before you retire, have two years of your living expenses in an easily accessible, interest-bearing account. Think of your Emergency Fund as lifestyle insurance with the purpose to protect you and your family. If it means working a little longer to fully fund it, do so. The stability and power it can provide are well worth the effort.