The first thing you should do when looking for an agent to represent your work is to familiarize yourself their area of expertise. Not all agents focus on works of fiction, some are only interested in technical books, while on the other side of the coin other...

If you are among the majority who are not saving for emergencies first determine how you are spending. Go back through check stubs and credit card statements and determine how you are spending. Then look for areas where spending can be reduced. While energy costs are going up, you may be able to save some on your utility bills through conservation efforts. A combination of tax credits and fuel savings might make a new furnace a cost saver over the long term, provided it is significantly more efficient than your existing furnace.