Money Management for Beginners

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This time of year is highly charged and a lot of it has to do with money. My hope with this post is that we can share our individual knowledge regarding money management with each other. We may not have the willpower or desire to do it yet, but we will be one step closer to our financial goals by having the knowledge we need. By the way, if you are more than a beginner when it comes to money management then I would more than welcome any advice/information you have! The article that made me think of this (besides my own recent insights into my personal stupidity regarding money)is located here: http://finance.yahoo.com/banking-budgeting/article/111613/money-mistakes-that-can-destroy-you?mod=bb-creditreports This article, in addition to most everything else that I've ever read, recommends having an emergency fund. Different experts have different recommendations about what amount to start out with, but the general rule is to have 3 months of income in your emergency fund. My question is how many people actually have an emergency fund, and of those people how many actually have 3 months worth of income in that fund? And when is acceptable to dip into that fund? Only if you lose your job? If you need (not want) a new washing machine, dishwasher, etc? Car repairs? My family and I have a very hard time saving money. It seems like the minute you think you are caught up, something happens and that money is needed.