Financial rules don’t change when you turn 50, but the consequences do. These nine practical rules can help you manage cash flow, reduce financial risk and make more intentional decisions as retirement gets closer.

How much emergency savings do you really need? Learn how to calculate your goal, start with a manageable milestone, and build toward three to six months of essential expenses.

A monthly budget tells you how much you expect to earn and spend. A budget forecast goes further—showing when money will enter and leave your account so you can identify cash-flow problems before they happen.