Emergencies are no fun, but even more so when you don’t have a fund to fall back on. Whether it’s a surprise car repair, an overlooked medical bill, or an unexpected job loss—a financial safety net can help scoop you out of the money pit you’re in. Thankfully, there’s a guide for that.

HOW TO BUILD YOUR SAFETY NET WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT:
1. Start small, but start now. You don’t need to stash away $1k on day one. (That’s like a marathon when you’re still in sandals!) Instead, aim for a small, achievable goal like $500 or $1k that’s saved over time. Once you hit that target, you can bump it up. Consistency is key here—think of it as building a habit, not a heap of cash overnight.

2. Automate your savings. Set up an automatic transfer into a high-yield savings account so you’re not tempted to spend your emergency fund on a cute new pair of boots. (We get it, the temptation is real!) This way, your fund grows without you lifting a finger. Whether it’s $20, $50, or $100 a month, it adds up fast!

3. Reevaluate your budget. Budgeting can sound like a drag, but just take a quick peek at where your money’s going each month. Is there a subscription you forgot about? Or maybe a coffee habit you could trim? Use these savings to fund your safety stash. It’s all about finding balance—savings today, a little sweet treat tomorrow.

4. Know your goal (and stick to it). It all comes down to the big question: How much is enough? Experts say three to six months of living expenses is ideal, but the amount depends on your personal situation. If you’re a freelancer, you may want to aim for the higher end of that spectrum. Knowing your number will keep you focused!

5. Treat your emergency fund like it’s not there. Wait, hear us out! Once it’s in place, don’t touch it unless it’s really an emergency. We know, we know—it’s tempting to dip into those savings for non-emergency situations (like a spontaneous weekend getaway). But that fund should only be for unexpected, urgent costs. Got it? Got it.

6. Celebrate the milestones. You’ve hit your first $500? You go, girl! Celebrate that victory! Acknowledging small wins along the way will keep you motivated to keep building until you hit your ultimate goal. Plus, it’s a reminder that the hard work pays off.