I saved this question for the final installment of the mailbag blog because I thought it deserved a separate and focused answer. 

What are steps that someone can take to help financially assist during a lay-off, illness, or another reason that puts them out of work?

•  I love this question – it is at the core of why I decided not to charge people for my services based on assets only.  As Tom Hanks said in the movie Forrest Gump, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get." 

Are Christmas clubs a good idea?  When do you open them? What type of financial commitment is necessary?  Or do you have another recommendation for savings?