Part 3: Roof/Emergency savings. Welcome back to the money mindset 10 part series. Part 1 focused on the foundation, your mindset for handling your finances. Part 2 was on the blueprint of your finances, the budget. We will focus on your financial safety and security in this month's article.
Emergency savings are like financial roofs, keeping us safe from life’s sudden storms. They're funds set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, like medical bills, car repairs, or sudden job loss. It's generally recommended to have enough saved to cover three to six months' worth of living expenses, though the exact amount varies based on individual circumstances. Building an emergency fund can provide peace of mind and help prevent relying on high-interest debt during tough times.
Having emergency savings also provides a sense of empowerment and control over one's finances. It allows individuals to navigate unexpected situations with confidence, without feeling overwhelmed by the financial burden they might bring. This sense of preparedness can enhance feelings of resilience and self-assurance.
Moreover, emergency savings can positively affect relationships. Financial stress is a common source of tension between couples and having savings in place can reduce conflicts related to money worries. It fosters trust and security within partnerships, knowing that both parties are financially prepared for whatever may come their way.
Step one to achieving this security is to save $1000.00. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of saving 3-6 months worth of expenses. They say “The journey of a 1000 miles starts with a single step” and in this case it really can begin with a single dollar. Sell whatever you have lying around that you haven't touched in a year. Skip going out to eat a few times a week, do whatever you can to save your $1000.00 as fast as possible, keep taking steps! Once your $1000.000 is saved, be diligent to continue to add to your emergency savings until your goal is met. When you have a fully funded emergency savings fund, you will feel a sense of security in knowing that you have a solid roof over your financial life.
To recap the steps to building an emergency fund:
Save $1000.00 to begin your emergency fund
Determine what 3-6 months of expenses looks like for your situation.
Add to your emergency savings to achieve 3-6 months of expenses.
To catch up on the series, visit the Zine archives.
Money Mindset by Ben Scott 2024