The most important thing you can do to make your personal economy strong is to have an umbrella—a rainy-day fund with at least enough money to pay all of your bills for at least three months without a paycheck. Call it $10,000. Save 10 Percent of Your Paycheck It may sound like a lot, but start with 5 percent or even 1 percent, and build up. Deposit the money automatically into your savings account; you’ll never miss what you don’t see in the first place. Get Rid of Nonessentials Give up the little things, such as cable TV, eating out, your gym membership, and entertainment. Cut Variable Expenses You can’t cut off your utilities, stop eating, or give up driving. But you can reduce the cost of the food, energy, and fuel you buy. Opt for the cheapest food store and the cheapest gas. Stay away from restaurants. Turn out …