So my approach is this: Be smart, don't over-leverage (listen to people like Jon and pay homage to the 50% rule), and take Dave Ramsey's approach as much as possible: have an emergency fund, create a budget, tackle (snowball, as Dave says) your credit card debt, and stop living beyond your means.

Emerging? 

(a) A landlord may enter the dwelling unit only in thefollowing cases:(1) In case of emergency.(2) To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterationsor improvements, supply necessary or agreed services, or exhibit thedwelling unit to prospective or actual purchasers, mortgagees,tenants, workers, or contractors or to make an inspection pursuant tosubdivision (f) of Section 1950.5.(3) When the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.(4) Pursuant to court order.

First, you want to have your emergency fund set aside (for most people this is 3-6 months income).

Emergency patchwork needed to be done before this big storm arrived so this morning I was able to get my handyman and we applied roof patch on some tiles that were definitely compromised.

We currently have about 300k equity in our current home, 45k liquid we could invest in a home without touching emergency cash reserves.

Only butting in because this can be a big deal, there is nothing more, besides the paycheck, that is appreciated more than tangible recognition for a job well done, it strokes the ego, and for workmen who take pride in what they do (The Pride of the American Worker) it's important.It sets you aside from being an employer to being a friend as well.It sets you aside from others they may work for.If you have an emergency or a really short fuse on a deal and you call them, it's just human nature to help out your friends or best clients ahead of others.

You could also check with an emergency contact if it's completely out of character.

Keep vehicles off the roads during snow emergencies and see city website for zone plowing schedule.3.

This does not bode well if there are other weather/health emergencies in the future.Also, as you are probably aware, the economic situation is more dire in that part of Cook County than others — especially as far as suburban areas go.