1) let’s first get an emergency fund of $1000 in place per person / family. This needs to be the #1 priority – so let’s go… get moving – and get that $1000 emergency in fund in place. That way you don’t have to use what every other American is using as their emergency fund – THE CREDIT CARD!

2) once the $1000 emergency fund is in place, now start working toward having a 3 – 6 month living expenses reserve. This means, if your income stopped today, you would have 3 – 6 months of SAVINGS to meet your living expenses, and give you enough time to find work.

3) establish a budget based on communication with your spouse – not commanding and dictating. Meeting a common grounds, realistic budget that meets both of your objects, and one that you are both willing to commit to and become a team effort on meeting that budget.

4) for every dollar you earn, allocate 10% for giving, 10% to savings, and the remaining 80% to paying your bills. Ideally, that 80% be broken down into 40% for spending and 40% to your budget.

So with those 4 last steps, we can go from 73% to 100% stress free living – at least stress caused money.