Many Americans end the year with a long list of bills and little (or no) cash left over. Holiday spending often adds financial pressure while everyday expenses continue to climb. And if an unexpected cost hits at the same time, they may need to rely on credit cards to get by. That’s why building a small rainy day fund is so important. It can give you breathing room when surprises happen. A rainy day buffer can be a great way to cover the small emergencies that disrupt your budget, like a flat tire or an ...