How to set up an emergency fund

Print on Demand

An emergency fund is a great way to save yourself from financial disaster. It gives you peace of mind when unexpected expenses come up. And, it may help keep you out of debt when you need extra money for an emergency. People who don’t have emergency funds may have to turn to high-interest loans or more credit card debt.

 

It can be difficult to set money aside when it’s being used for other day-to-day things. But, it is possible to do with a little discipline and planning. Here’s how:

•  Make it automatic. Have some money automatically put in a separate account with each paycheck. Even if the amount is small, it can add up over time. An automatic transfer is more convenient than doing it yourself. You may find that after a while, you don’t miss that extra money. You learn to get by without it.

•  Make it a priority. Pay your emergency fund first, before you use your paycheck for non-necessary items. Make a budget that doesn’t include your emergency money. This will ensure your bills and other necessities get paid without skipping your emergency fund payment.

•  Use a bank or credit union savings account. These are easier to access in an emergency than savings bonds, mutual funds or certificates of deposit (CDs). But, don't put it in your regular checking account, where you may be tempted to use it for a non-emergency.

•  Keep the account totally separate. Make sure that account is for emergencies only. Make it a savings account instead of checking. Be sure the account doesn’t include fees or penalties.

•  "Do I need this?" Cover your credit card with a savings message to reduce non-essential spending.

 

Creative ways to save

Think of little ways you can change your daily routine to save money. You’ll be surprised how much you can save!

 

Put away $.50 a day in loose change.

Monthly savings: $15

Yearly savings: $180

 

Skip the coffee out and bring your own from home.

Monthly savings: $80

Yearly savings: $960

 

Bring your own lunch 3 days a week instead of eating out.

Monthly savings: $96

Yearly savings: $1,152

 

Eat dinner at home 2 more times per month.

Monthly savings: $40-80

Yearly savings: $480-960

 

Source: Consumer Federation of America

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

The American Institute for Preventive Medicine (AIPM) is not responsible for the availability or content of external sites, nor does AIPM endorse them. Also, it is the responsibility of the user to examine the copyright and licensing restrictions of external pages and to secure all necessary permission.

 

The content on this website is proprietary. You may not modify, copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, transmit, or distribute, in any manner, the material on the website without the written permission of AIPM.