Emergency Funds: Your Stress-Busting Safety Net

If there’s one habit that turns chaos into calm, it’s having an emergency fund. Think of it as financial first aid—ready before you need it.

Why it matters:Emergencies happen: car repairs, medical bills, job changes. Having even $500 saved keeps you from turning to debt.

How much to save:Start with one month’s expenses, then work toward three to six months. Break it down into milestones—$100 at a time adds up fast.

Where to keep it:A high-yield savings account separate from your main bank. It should be easy to access but not too easy to spend.

How to build it:

·       Redirect small windfalls (tax refunds, bonuses).

·       Save automatically from each paycheck.

·       Treat it like rent—non-negotiable.

Every dollar in your emergency fund is a dollar of peace. When life throws a curveball, you’ll be ready to catch it.