Knowing the rules may help you fend off economic crisis, simply because you know how to get through the difficult times. There's never an easy way to manage through a crisis, it's always tough, but some simple basic rules will help you step through with minimal suffering.

1. Save 10% of everything you make.

2. Give 10% of everything you make.

3. Always pay cash. If you don't have money to buy it, ask yourself if you really NEED it. If not, stop looking for ways to get it and move on.

4. Invest in yourself. This is more than money; give yourself good solid resourceful foundations to build upon by getting a good education, staying healthy and forming good solid relationships.

5. Build a solid network of solid friendships, people you can rely on who will also rely on you. These should be also working relationships where you can count on their efforts to sustain you through difficult times, knowing you'll return the favor.

6. Live frugally. You don't have to spend money to have a good time. Find cost free ways to entertain yourself and your family.

7. Be prepared with a back up plan for catastrophes and use it when necessary, but don't rely on it for every little thing that goes wrong.

8. Be self reliant and find good resources for your needs. Always have sources for frugal solutions ready and at hand for expected crisis, you'll be better off in a real crisis if your back is covered.

9. Increase your stamina and crisis awareness by living on what's in the pantry occasionally. Empty out the older canned goods and replace them with fresh stock.

10. When all else fails, take time to breathe and brainstorm a solution that works well for your family and business. Sometimes financial peace is simply stepping back and looking at the good side of your day.