Chances are you've seen the relatively new Allstate commercials featuring Dean Winters as "Mayhem". Great campaign - it's both entertaining and highly effective in terms of getting the point across. The commercials also underscore the fact that the world is full of unexpected financial setbacks, and good financial planning can help. Specifically, it pays to have adequate auto insurance and an emergency fund to negate the need to scramble to pay an unexpected deductible. You know, in case your daughter's BFF kisses Johnny.

To be clear...I'm a fan of these ads, but this post is not an endorsement of Allstate Insurance Company.