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It's the new year, the perfect time to set goals and start fresh. Are you making plans for a brighter, more financially secure future? Building or strengthening your emergency fund is a great place to start. While saving for an emergency may not sound as exciting as splurging on a luxury item, putting aside enough for a robust backup fund will help you achieve financial peace of mind.

Why is an Emergency Fund Important?

Life is full of unexpected events, both wonderful and challenging. If you create and maintain an emergency fund, you will have a safety net for urgent car or home repairs, medical emergencies, or job loss. Without an emergency fund, these unexpected challenges could throw your finances into chaos, causing you to rack up debt and deal with overwhelming financial stress. Experts recommend that you save enough to cover at least three to six months of your typical living expenses to allow yourself time for job searches and other accommodations. While this may seem like a lot, you can start small and add to your fund over time.

How to Start Building Your Emergency Fund

You have resolved to save, but now what? Your next steps would be to create a budget, monitor your monthly income and spending, and set goals. Here are some tips to set yourself up for success:

• Create a Budget: Begin by tracking your income and monthly expenses. Seeing exactly where your money is going can help you reallocate money to your emergency fund.
• Cut Back Where You Can: Meals out, streaming subscriptions, and impulse purchases are considered discretionary spending. Reducing how much you spend on these optional things frees up money you can funnel into your emergency fund.
• Set Realistic Monthly Goals: Be realistic about what you can afford. Start by putting aside a manageable amount each month that you can maintain. As your financial situation improves, you can gradually increase your savings.
• Consider Unexpected Scenarios: To stay motivated, think about how having an emergency fund would benefit you in different situations. If your car broke down today or you lost your job, would you be prepared to handle it financially? Those are some of the problems an emergency fund solves.

How a Savings Account Helps Grow Your Emergency Fund

Building your emergency fund with a savings account ensures your money is easily accessible when you need it and that it will earn some interest – growing your fund over time. When choosing a savings account for your emergency fund, make sure it offers a competitive annual percentage yield (APY). The higher the APY, the more interest you will earn. 

If you need to borrow from your fund, you can withdraw money quickly without penalties or complex procedures other investment options might include. Set up recurring automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account to make saving effortless. You can choose to do this weekly, biweekly, or monthly.

Tips for Building Your Emergency Fund Faster

Building an emergency fund takes time and dedication, but if you want to speed up the progress, you can try these tactics:

• Use Windfalls Wisely: Each time you receive a tax refund, a bonus, or other unexpected income, consider putting at least a portion of it into your emergency fund.
• Track Your Progress: To stay motivated, check in frequently to see how much you have saved and how much more you need to reach your goal. Online tools and spreadsheet apps can help you track your deposits and balance.
• Celebrate Small Victories: Saving, no matter the amount, is an achievement! Patting yourself on the back for meeting savings milestones can keep you focused on your long-term goal.
• Reevaluate Every Few Months: Every few months, take a close look at your savings and budget. If you can save more, increase your monthly contributions to your emergency fund. If your other essential expenses have increased, you may need to reduce your contributions temporarily.

Remember, Every Contribution Counts

It can be easy to get discouraged if your progress feels slow. But consistent saving is your path to creating a financial cushion that will ultimately make your life easier. Even small deposits are steps toward a greater goal. If you encounter a setback, adjust your plan and keep going. Think of the peace of mind you will have when you finally reach your target.

Making Your Emergency Fund a Priority

Consider putting your emergency fund savings in the fixed expense category for your budget, just like your rent, mortgage, car payment, or utilities. Treat your emergency savings as a nonnegotiable part of your monthly budget so that you will be inspired to contribute consistently. The earlier you start saving, the sooner you’ll feel the relief of having a sturdy financial safety net.

Get Back on Track with American Heritage Credit Union

If you don’t seem to be making progress with your emergency savings after trying these tips – or if you still aren’t sure where or how to get started – reach out out to American Heritage. For decades, we have proudly served our communities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with superior solutions designed to amplify financial wellness. With a variety of savings account options insured by The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), we can connect you with solutions that meet your needs.