Sometimes life takes an unexpected turn for the worse. While it's unsettling to think about losing a job, your home being devastated by a natural disaster or an illness affecting a loved one, the fact is that life is full of unknowns.

Exploring your options before a crisis strikes will ease some stress. After all, you don't want to make a mistake out of desperation. Learn more about how to manage and cope with your finances during life's difficult times. With a little planning, you can minimize the impact of unexpected financial hardships.

Planning

• Before the Summer Hurricane and Tornado Season Begins, Develop Your Own Disaster Plan
• Rewind: If You Had the Time to Plan for a Sudden Serious Illness or Death in the Family ...
• If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Ready?
• Prepare for the Unexpected
• Why You Need an Estate Plan / Planning for Disaster (Mp3)

Financial Preparation

• Emergency Spending Plan Worksheet (PDF | 40KB)
• Going to the Hospital? Prepare Financially as Well as Medically
• Disaster Preparedness Makes Sense for Finances, Too
• Ready for a Rainy Day? Save for Emergencies

Insurance

• Is Your Home Insurance Coverage Adequate?
• Make Sure Your Travel Insurance Is a Real Safety Net
• In These Times, an Annual Insurance Check-up Makes More Sense

Additional Resources

• How a Financial Planner Can Help You ... and How to Choose the Right One Brochure (PDF | 640KB)