10 Tips to Help You Build an Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund set aside can provide peace of mind and financial security when unexpected expenses arise. Here are 10 tips to help you start and grow an emergency savings fund:

1. Define Your Emergency Fund Goal

The first step is deciding how much you want to save in your emergency fund. Financial experts often recommend having 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses saved, but any amount is better than nothing. Set a specific goal based on your current expenses and how long you want to be able to cover costs if you lose your income.

2. Start Small If Needed

Don’t let the total amount you want to save overwhelm you. If your goal seems unattainable right now, start smaller. Even saving £50 or £100 a month will build your emergency savings over time. The key is to start now and get into the habit of consistently setting aside money.

3. Automate Transfers to Your Savings

One of the easiest ways to build an emergency fund is to automate regular transfers from your checking account to your savings account. Set up automatic weekly or monthly transfers to put money away without having to think about it. Slow and steady contributions add up.

4. Use Windfalls Wisely

Put any extra money you receive into your emergency savings. This could include tax refunds, work bonuses, gift money, or income from a side gig. Treat this as found money and put it straight into savings.

5. Review Expenses and Cut Where Possible

Take a close look at your current spending to identify areas to cut back, even in small ways. Pack lunch instead of eating out, downgrade your internet and TV package, or cancel unused subscriptions. Small cuts create room in your budget to direct more money to savings.

6. Earn More Money

In addition to cutting expenses, consider ways to earn more income that you can direct specifically towards savings. Take on a freelance project, monetise a hobby, or negotiate a raise at work. The extra earnings will help speed up hitting your emergency fund goal. If you are fostering children with Fostering People, make sure you are claiming/using all the benefits and discounts you’re entitled.

7. Use a Separate High-Interest Savings Account

Keep your emergency money in a dedicated high-yield savings account separate from your everyday spending account. This keeps it protected and accessible while earning interest. Set up automatic transfers from checking to this savings account.

8. Invest Lump Sums

If you receive a particularly large windfall, consider investing part of it and keeping the rest in savings. Talk to a financial advisor about smart investments that can grow your money while still having low risk and high liquidity.

9. Get Help from Your Support System

Tell close family or friends about your savings goal and have them help hold you accountable. Share your progress and challenges to keep you motivated and on track. They may even be able to provide practical tips.

10. Reward Important Milestones

As you hit certain milestones, reward yourself to stay motivated. Go out to dinner, buy something special, or do an activity you enjoy when you’ve saved 20%, 50%, or 100% of your goal amount. Small rewards keep you focused.

Stay Focused and Be Patient

Building an emergency fund takes time, discipline, and perseverance. There will be months it grows slowly. Stay focused on the end goal and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Consistently setting aside money will get you there over time. Celebrate small wins along the way.