Rinse the rice until the water runs almost clear, then use about 1.25 cups of water per cup of long grain rice. Bring it to a boil, cover, drop to the lowest heat for 15 minutes and then leave it covered off the heat for 10 more. Do not lift the lid. (more)

A common target is three to six months of essential expenses: rent, food, insurance, transport and minimum debt payments. Start with one month, keep it in a separate easy-access savings account, and grow it before investing extra money. (more)