No-one likes to be blindsided by financial hardship. Here are 10 ideas to help ensure your financial situation stays healthy.

1. Create a safety net. Plan to have a minimum savings balance to cover at least three months' of expenses (ideally, this should be six to 12 months). If your reserves are light, start saving now. Even if it is a little amount, it can get you on the right track.

2. Develop a budget. At least once a year develop a basic budget. Set goals and try to hit them. If this seems overwhelming, start simple. What is coming in and what goes out each month? Becoming aware is the first step to improving your financial health.

3. Make your spouse a financial partner. If you die, does your significant other know where everything is? Can he/she pay the bills? Does he know where account numbers are? Does your spouse know who you use to help with things? If not, it is time to start talking.

4. Review your beneficiaries. Once a year review beneficiaries on all accounts. This includes retirement accounts as well as names on wills and estate plans. The legal hassle created without this review can be devastating to your surviving family. This is especially important if you had a recent life event (marriage, divorce, birth or death).

5. Maximize your benefits. Make sure you review your retirement plans to maximize any employer match in your account. Also review your plan's administrative expenses. If they are too high they can cost you thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

6. Create a disaster plan. If your home burned down or was flooded, are your important records easily accessible and protected? If not, consider creating a disaster plan. This may include placing important documents in a safe deposit box in another location than your home.

7. Review your credit report. With the recent increase in identity fraud, plan to check your credit with the major credit agencies once a year. The agencies are legally required to make their report available to you annually without charge.

8. Review your insurance plans. Periodically look at your health, life, home and liability insurance. With the legal nature of our society, you might consider the need for an umbrella policy to cover against potential litigation. But also consider flood insurance and a replacement value homeowner's policy.

9. Manage your debt. Review your use of credit cards, loans, etc. Understand your net worth (assets minus liabilities). Make progress in reducing your debt load starting with the highest interest obligations first. Is your debt lower than it was last year?

10. Plan for fun. Just because you are taking steps to improve your financial situation doesn't mean that you can't have fun. Be smart about your entertainment spending. If you are planning a vacation, research money-conscience options and have a budget that fits in with your other financial goals.