 TITLE: How Does a Hardship Loan Affect Your Credit? CONTENT: How to Prepare for the Next Hardship or Emergency\n-------------------------------------------------\nOnce this rough patch is behind you, think about how you can prepare for the next financial emergency. Although it may not be possible to prepare for every unexpected financial turn, you can take positive steps to fortify yourself against future surprises.\n**Create a budget** **with built-in savings.** A monthly budget helps you rein in spending, and it can also help you build an emergency fund. The key is to stick to your budget and save regularly. Having three to six months' worth of expenses will help defuse the impact of any future financial setback.\n**Mind your credit.** Available credit is a valuable resource when you need funds; good credit helps you access loans and credit when you need it. You can stay on top of your credit score and report with free credit monitoring from Experian, so you can ensure you'll have the best possible options if you ever face a moment of hardship again. END