Start Small, Think Big, Earn More.
Many people wonder how they can build an emergency fund when they’re trying to pay off debts. It isn't as hard as you might think. The strategy is to start small, change a few habits, and change your mindset.
If you're starting from scratch with your emergency fund, begin by saving one month’s worth of living expenses while paying the minimum on your credit cards. Do your best to put these savings in a high-interest earning savings account, according to livingcost.org/ the average four person household has a total of $5,561 in expenses. Utilizing our CD Calculator located under the Services & Tools tab on our website you are able to view your projected earnings on a 5-month Share Certificate at 5.00% APY*.
When you have that first month of emergency funds started, turn your focus to your credit card debt and pay more than the monthly minimum. Once the credit card debt is paid off, go back to building your emergency fund. If your credit card debt is very high and can’t be paid in full within a couple of months, then alternate the extra payment every other month: The first month, add to your emergency fund and pay the minimum on your credit cards. The next month, pay more on your credit cards and skip the deposit to your emergency fund, etc.
Here are five ways to boost your emergency fund and change savings habits for life:
Treat savings as a bill. Figure out what you can afford to save each month and stash away $75, $50, $25, or even $10 a month. No matter the amount, it adds up and can become habit-forming. As your financial situation improves, increase the amount.
Live one raise behind. When you get a raise, don’t begin spending more. Instead, apply the extra amount to your emergency fund.
Automate it. Set up an automatic transfer to your emergency funds account. When the credit union receives your direct-deposited pay check, you can have a portion of it put directly into your savings or emergency account. Out of sight, out of mind, but you know it's there if you really need it.
Give savings a garage-sale boost. Go from room to room in your home and purge stuff you no longer want and need. Then schedule a garage sale. Both your house and your savings will look better.
Think of it as a life jacket. If you can't find that initial spark to get started, ask yourself how you'd pay your bills if you lost your job tomorrow. Having an emergency fund will help you keep “your head above water.”
Don't worry, start now! Your friends at Garden Savings FCU are ready to help with all your savings needs. Call our credit union trainer Carlos Ronquillo at 973-585-3166 to discuss and set up short-term and long-term savings vehicles that fit your needs.
We take pride in empowering our members with their financial goals and providing them a better place to bank. At Garden Savings FCU, we provide $500,000 worth peace of mind by ensuring our members deposits are protected through the National Credit Union Administration(NCUA) and Excess Share Insurance(ESI) which insure our members deposits up to $500,000. Click the link below to open a share certificate and start earning with peace of mind.
Garden Savings Federal Credit Union
The local credit union in your neighborhood.
