How to Build Your Emergency Fund
We live in economic times that are ever-changing and unpredictable. On top of that life events occur that we least expected - calling for extra financial need. If you haven’t done it yet - NOW is the time to build an emergency fund and we are here to HELP you do it. We are in this together!
Let's dive into what constitutes an emergency fund, why it's essential for life changes and financial well-being, and how to build one.
What is an emergency fund?
An emergency fund is a cash reserve that’s specifically set aside for unplanned expenses or financial emergencies. Some common examples include car repairs, home repairs, medical bills, or a loss of income.
Emergency savings can be used for large or small unplanned bills or payments that are not part of your routine monthly expenses and spending.
THE BENEFITS OF AN EMERGENCY FUND
The foundation of financial health often rests on preparedness. Research suggests that individuals who struggle to recover from a financial shock have less savings to help protect against a future emergency. Without this buffer and safety net, you might rely on credit cards or loans, resulting in high-interest debt that can spiral out of control. Having a dedicated fund prevents debt accumulation and provides peace of mind. With an emergency fund, you can make decisions without being driven by financial crisis or desperation:
Protection from debt
Financial security
Reduced stress and more peace
Freedom and flexibility in decision-making
How much money should I set aside in my emergency fund?
Here are some guidelines to know how much to set aside, so you can choose the right one for you:
Standard recommendation: Saving enough to pay for three to six months of living expenses.
Single-income households: Consider aiming for six to nine months of expenses due to the increased risk of having only one source of income.
Variable incomes: If you're self-employed or have an income that fluctuates, a larger fund (possibly up to twelve months of expenses).
Minimal starting point: You can start with a $1,000, and build up over time.
How do I build it?
You have different options on how you can build your emergency fund based on your circumstances and preferences. You could also use all of these strategies, but if you have a limited ability to save, managing your cash flow or putting away a portion of your tax refund are the easiest ways to get started.
Strategy: Create a savings habit
One of the fastest ways to grow a savings is to consistently put money away. If you’re not in a regular practice of saving, there are a few key principles to creating a good savings habit:
Set a goal. Having a specific goal for your savings can help you stay motivated. Establishing your emergency fund may be that achievable goal that helps you stay on track - you can even calculate and figure out how long it will take you to reach your savings goal.
Create a system for making consistent contributions. Setting up automatic recurring transfers is often one of the easiest ways for consistent savings. It may also be that you put a specific amount of cash aside each day, week, or payday period. Make it a specific amount, and if you can occasionally afford to do more, you’ll watch your savings grow even faster.
Monitor your progress. Track your progress to encourage and motivate you to keep going. You could even set up a reward for yourself each month to celebrate your success.
Strategy: Manage your cash flow
Your cash flow is essentially the timing of when your money is coming in (your income) and going out (your expenses and spending). If the timing is off, you can find yourself running short at the end of the week or month, but if you’re actively tracking it, you’ll start to see opportunities to adjust your spending and savings .
Strategy: Take advantage of one-time opportunities to save
There may also be certain times during the year when you get an influx of money. While it’s tempting to spend it, saving all or a portion of that money could help you quickly set up your emergency fund.
Strategy: Make your saving automatic
One way to make your saving automatic is to set up recurring transfers through your bank or credit union so money is moved automatically from your checking account to your savings account. You get to decide how much and how often.
Strategy: Save through work
Another way to save automatically is through your employer. In addition to employer-based contributions for retirement, you may have an option to split your paycheck between your checking and savings accounts. If you receive your paycheck through direct deposit, check with your employer to see if it’s possible to divide it between two accounts.
Where is the best place to keep my emergency savings for easy access?
Your emergency fund should be kept in an account that balances earning interest and accessibility. Here are a few options that offer both.
High-yield savings account: These accounts typically offer higher rates than traditional ones while providing easy access to funds.
Money market accounts: These may offer higher interest rates than a standard savings account and can include check-writing privileges or a debit card for easier withdrawal. Note: Check with your bank or credit union - some money markets can incur fees if the balance drops below a certain dollar amount.
No-penalty Certificates of Deposit (CDs): While traditional CDs might penalize you for early withdrawals, no-penalty CDs allow you to withdraw your money without a fee.
Online Banks: Most online banks offer competitive interest rates and are federally insured. However, confirm that no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements might eat into your savings.
Cash — Another option is keeping money on hand for emergencies, either in your home or with a trusted family member or friend. Keep in mind that cash can be stolen, lost, or destroyed.
Ensure that the institution where you keep your emergency fund is federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to protect your money up to allowable limits.
Need help with your finances? Learn about our debt and budgeting consulting here - we would love to support you in your financial journey.