I have no emergency fund
Starting a cushion is about consistency, not size. The first few hundred dollars does most of the emotional work.
Steps to work through
- 1Pick a starter target that feels reachable, such as one month of groceries.
- 2Choose an account that is separate from your everyday spending account.
- 3Set an automatic transfer for the day after each payday, even if it is a small amount.
- 4Route irregular money — refunds, rebates, a shift of overtime — to the same place.
- 5Only refill after you use it; using the fund for a real emergency means it worked.
These are educational organizing steps, not financial, legal or tax advice. For advice specific to your situation, speak with a qualified professional.