"A direct, incisive guide for consumers to know how to protect and handle their money in the face of a financial crisis"-- "A direct, incisive guide for consumers to know how to protect and handle their money in the face of a financial crisis There are always going to be unexpected financial crises in our lives. Whether we're facing an economic recession, a pandemic, a bear market, or energy worries, we have to immediately know what to do with our money. We start to ask: What bills need to be paid first? Should we dip into our savings? Are there better methods to protect a nest egg? Michelle Singletary provides a hands-on guide to all of your debt concerns, credit card issues, cash-flow problems, medical coverage questions, and the dozens of other common financial issues that crop up with all of us when money suddenly becomes tight"-- Provided by publisher. Provided by publisher.

Front Cover -- Endpapers -- Front Matter -- Half Title -- Title -- Editor's Note -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Introduction -- What's in This Book -- What You Shouldn't Expect -- How to Use This Book -- The Basics -- When You're in Dire Need -- A Last Resort -- Unemployment -- Health-Care Costs -- Money Management -- Savings -- Credit -- Debt -- Debt Collection -- Your Rights -- The Past -- The Present -- On the Job -- Consumer Buying Issues During an Economic Crisis -- Family Money Matters -- The Future -- Investing -- Real Estate -- The Gig Economy. The Benefits of Selling Online -- The Schemes and Scams -- Back Matter -- Resources -- Acknowledgments -- About the Author -- Endpapers -- Back Cover -- Spine.