In times of crisis, you don’t want to be shaking pennies out of a piggy bank. Having a financial safety net in place can ensure that you’re protected when a financial emergency arises.

Diversification–not putting all your eggs in one basket–is one of the most cherished principles of investing. That’s one reason why mutual funds have become a popular choice for many investors’ workplace retirement accounts.

According to provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, whether you live at home or are away at college, you’re eligible to be covered under your parents’ health plan until you’re 26 years old.

Debt consolidation can lead to an improvement in your credit rating by making your debt easier to manage.

One way is to call your existing lender and try to negotiate a lower rate. Often, the threat of losing a customer and the associated income from your finance charges can inspire a card company to accept a lower interest rate and keep the relationship.