An emergency fund is a critical element of financial security and stability. It can help you weather unexpected expenses and maintain your lifestyle during difficult times. However, building an emergency fund can be challenging.
There are several factors to consider when creating this essential savings account.
1. Decide How Much to Save
The first step in creating an emergency fund is determining how much you need to save. Experts generally recommend having enough savings to cover three to six months of living expenses. This may vary depending on your circumstances. If you are unsure how to approach this, it is vital to do your research from various financial resource links to get a good starting point.
2. Make Automatic Contributions
One of the best ways to make sure you save for your emergency fund is to make automatic contributions. This way, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to save or spending the money on something else.
3. Resist the Temptation to Touch the Funds
It can be challenging to resist the temptation to use your emergency fund for other purposes. Still, it’s important to remember that the purpose of this fund is to cover unexpected expenses. If you need to use the money for something else, you should replace it as soon as possible.
4. Avoid Fees
A few different types of fees can impact your emergency fund. The first type is account maintenance fees. Many banks and financial institutions charge a monthly or annual fee for just having an account with them. This fee can be incredibly costly if you don’t have a lot of money in your account.
Another type of fee to watch out for is withdrawal fees. Most banks charge a fee for withdrawing money from an ATM or making a bank transfer. This fee can add up quickly if you need to access your emergency fund regularly. Finally, some financial institutions charge a fee for cashing a cheque. This can be a significant expense if you need to cash a cheque from your emergency fund.
It’s essential to shop around for the best bank or financial institution for your needs to avoid these fees. Look for banks that don’t charge account maintenance fees and have no or low withdrawal fees. Also, make sure the bank you choose doesn’t charge a fee for cashing cheques. Keeping these fees in mind ensures unnecessary expenses don’t impact your emergency fund.
5. Stay Vigilant
Finally, when building your emergency fund, it’s also important to stay vigilant and be aware of all the factors that can affect it. For example, while you may want to focus on saving money to have a cushion in an emergency, you also need to consider your other expenses and bills. If you aren’t careful, you could spend more than you save, and your emergency fund will not be helpful.
In conclusion, building an emergency fund can be a challenge, but it’s essential to take the time to do it right. By following these important tips, you can create a fund that will help you weather any financial storm.
Resources:
https://current.com/blog/how-to-build-an-emergency-fund/
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/an-essential-guide-to-building-an-emergency-fund
https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/emergency-fund
