You can be the best joe or jill for the job and still get left out in the cold. Exhibit A ... Al Wilson, linebacker for the Denver Broncos. After eight rough n' tumble years in the Mile High City, five times on the Pro Bowl roster and a Super Bowl ring, the Broncos released AW because of injuries and the salary cap, see? Personally, I think Wilson's the cream of the crop, and even with a laundry list of injuries, he's still better than half the 'backers out there.

Bottom line, baby ... you never know when you're gonna find yourself out on the street, or laid up in bed, or getting something fixed at the car shop. Life happens, and lots of times it ain't pretty; so be ready. Save money so that, in case of emergency, you'll have an emergency fund. Once you have the baby one in place, do like Dave talks about on The Dave Ramsey Show and get out of debt. Try it, baby ... it'll knock your socks off.