At first, I was shocked to read that Suze Orman is recommending you pay only your minimum credit card payments and instead save cash in an emergency fund. It’s a total about-face from what Suze and probably 98% of personal finance writers typically recommend: above all else, get out of debt. But, given these unprecedented economic times, I think I agree. Do you? [...]

There’s a lot of buzz out there about FNBO Direct, high-yield online savings account from the First National Bank of Omaha. So I have to ask: If you’re not earning one of the best savings rates in the country yet at an account that also offers a free Visa debit card and billpay—why not? To make switching to FNBO as easy as possible, here’s a step-by-step guide to opening an FNBO Direct online savings account in just five minutes or so. [...]

Rivka asks: I’m 25 and switching jobs. My old company didn’t match 401(k) contributions, so I put 6% of my salary into a Roth IRA. My new company, however, matches 100% on the first 3% of my salary that I contribute to their 401(k) and 50% of the next 2%. Should I contribute 5% to my 401(k) and then a little more to the Roth IRA? Or should I just let me IRA sit for the time being and not contribute? What about a savings account? (I currently contribute $300 a month to a high yield savings account.) [...]

Kiplinger’s magazine has voted FNBO Direct the “best online savings account of 2008″. [...]

Banks and credit unions want your business, and many offer new customers great perks like ATM fee reimbursement, totally free checking accounts, even cold hard cash. Problem is, swapping your primary financial institution isn’t as easy as, say, changing shampoo brands. Nonetheless, with a little planning, moving your money to a new bank or credit union doesn’t have to be a hassle. [...]

ING Direct is running a promotion for Electric Orange checking account customers this December. Make five purchases of at least $10 each with your Electric Orange Debit MasterCard in December 2008, and automatically be entered to win $5,000. [...]

If your car broke down on the way to work tomorrow, how would you pay for the repairs? The tow truck? A rental car, if needed? If, like many Americans, you would turn to a credit card without so much as a second thought, you could be headed for trouble. Building a short-term emergency fund—even if it’s as little as $1,000—could save you from financial disaster. Here are 10 easy steps to take to plan and build short-term savings that may one day be your financial lifeline. [...]

Have you heard the phrase “pay yourself first”? If not, listen up. This one financial trick alone could be the most powerful way to turn your finances around. [...]

Do you live paycheck to paycheck? Most Americans do. Money comes in on payday, and in two weeks (or sooner) it’s gone. When you don’t have emergency savings, or even a cushion in your checking account, the smallest unexpected expense can put your personal finances in a tailspin. But with a little planning and some discipline, you can stop living paycheck to paycheck and start building financial security—no matter how little you earn, or how much debt you have. [...]

Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross expects thousands of banks to fail in the coming months, he told CNBC this week. How can you tell if your bank will be one of them? [...]