Resources are tools that can help you keep track of your finances and can help you get out of financial problems fast. In addition to checking out our suggested resources, you will want to have these resources on hand:

1) An emergency fund. This is hands-down your most important financial resource. Having an emergency fund ensures that in case of an emergency you have the cash you need without turning to a cash loan or payday advance.

2) All your emergency documents in one place (a safe, preferably). The agreement you have signed with your bank, the deed (or lease) for your home, your insurance documents, your bank statements, your income tax returns, and other financial documents should be stored safely in your home in a safe or in a bank in a deposit box.

3) Financial emergency numbers. In your home and wallet, you should have a list of numbers you can call in an emergency. These should include the numbers you call in case your credit cards are stolen, someone you can call if you need an emergency personal loans, and other important numbers.

4) A written financial emergency plan. You should have a written financial plan, outlining step by step what you need to do in case you lose your job, are suddenly unable to work, or sustain a huge debt in some other way. A written plan lets you start taking the right steps at once.