The Importance of Building an Emergency Fund

Introducing the Emergency Fund

Managing your personal finances in 2023. It’s as chaotic as the weather. One minute you’re bathing in the warm sun and the next, a torrential downpour.

The good news?

You can weather the storm with your very own umbrella of financial security. ☂️

Say hello to your knight in shining armor…

✨ The emergency fund ✨

So, what is an emergency fund? Stick with us and we’ll dive into the world of financial preparedness.

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What is An Emergency Fund?

In the simplest terms, it’s a stash of cash which has been set aside to cover unexpected expenses that life throws your way.

Some of which include:

• Unforeseen medical expenses
• Home-appliance repair or replacement
• Car fixes

Building an emergency fund is an important step towards achieving financial security.

You should think of your emergency fund as a financial airbag (yep, switching metaphors here), ready to cushion the impact when you hit a financial speed bump. And having money set aside can help you steer clear of loans and credit cards, especially those with high interest fees and charges which can ultimately result in more debt.

The right amount for your emergency fund totally depends on individual circumstances but to kick things off, try to set aside enough money that would cover an important bill. You’ll want to try to save enough money to cover three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

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An Emergency Fund Can Save You from a Debt Disaster

Let's say you rely on your credit card for emergencies. That sounds like a solid plan, right?

Wrong.

When you use a credit card for an emergency, you're essentially borrowing money at a high interest rate.

Forbes says the average credit card interest rate is now 24.24% – imagine having to pay back what you owe, plus the annual percentage rate.

It’s kinda like trying to put out a fire with gasoline.

Debt becomes even more debt and before you know it, it’s turned into a vicious cycle.

In contrast, an emergency fund is like having a personal fire extinguisher at your disposal. When disaster strikes, you can use your emergency fund without paying any interest.

So, what is an emergency fund again? It's your ticket to debt-free financial stability.

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How do I Build the Fund?

Step 1: Determine your goal

Firstly, decide how much money you want to have in your emergency fund. A recommended amount would be three to six months’ worth of living expenses.

Step 2: Access your budget

Review your monthly income and expenses to identify areas where you can cut back and save money. This’ll then show how much you can afford to allocate towards your fund each month.

Step 3: Choose a savings account

Hunt around for a savings account that best suits you.

Step 4: Automate your savings

Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to your emergency fund savings account each month. This’ll mean you’ll be building your fund without even having to think about it. 💡

Step 5: Start small and build gradually

If you can’t afford to save a large amount each month, don’t sweat it. Start with a smaller goal and work your way up. Even a small emergency fund can provide some financial security. 💰

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‍Build Your Emergency Fund with Cleo

The easiest way to save is by setting up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your emergency savings account. And Cleo can help you do just that.

With Cleo, you can:

💸 Set money goals ‍
‍💸 Get access to save hacks like round ups and swear jars  
‍💸 Speedy withdrawals ‍
‍💸 Custom plans to help you save even more each month

Here’s to building a plan that’s right for you. 🥂

Happy saving ✨

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Remember, building an emergency fund takes time and discipline, but the peace of mind it provides is well worth the effort. Stay consistent, and you’ll be well on your way to financial security. ✨

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Big love. Cleo 💙