Yeske

"We learned that the vaccination for PCVAD is effective no matter which vaccine they use," Yeske said.

AgWired 2009

"If you restrict yourself too much, sooner or later, there's a risk that you're going to blow everything you have," Yeske says.

The plan: Reduce debt, build an emergency fund 2006

Dave Yeske, a financial planner in San Francisco, recommends a balancing act for Kevin and Amy Smith: build up an emergency fund and chip away at debt.

The plan: Reduce debt, build an emergency fund 2006

After building up their emergency fund, the Smiths should consider making additional payments to their credit card debt, Yeske advises.

The plan: Reduce debt, build an emergency fund 2006

Yeske also suggests the Smiths save for their children's education in state-run 529 college-savings plans, because contributions can also be withdrawn free of taxes for tuition and books.

The plan: Reduce debt, build an emergency fund 2006

Yeske told one of the couples we've profiled that they need to set aside some money for fun, rather than just for paying bills and building savings.

Getting a grip on finances is hard, but at least we're trying 2006

Yeske seems to agree: "If the diet is too strict, there's a boomerang effect, and then you say, 'Screw it,' and then you go off the deep end."

Getting a grip on finances is hard, but at least we're trying 2006

Once the couple pays down their debt and frees up more cash, they can think about buying a home, Yeske says.

The plan: Reduce debt, build an emergency fund 2006

For instance, take Dave Yeske, former president of the Financial Planning Association, the group that's partnered with USA TODAY on this Couples and their Cash series.

Getting a grip on finances is hard, but at least we're trying 2006

After consulting Yeske, the couple plans to boost the $800,000 coverage on Kevin Smith's life insurance policy to $1 million.

The plan: Reduce debt, build an emergency fund 2006