Do you have an emergency fund?
About three years ago, I had to take a good look at my finances. I realized that I had no financial margins. If any emergency were to arise, I would have no buffer whatsoever 😨! Therefore, things had to change so I got to work. Within a few months, I was able to save three months’ worth of expenses and subsequently, I saved for six months.
Since I love a challenge, I did what was necessary to meet my goals. Thus, this plan called for some changes in my lifestyle, but it was worth it. Here I will share with you what I did and what you can do too.
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(If you need help, join my 12-day challenge to Build Your Emergency Fund Now. I’ll “hold your hand” and guide you to meeting your goal.)
There are four basic areas that must be covered:
- Food to eat;
- A roof over your head;
- Utilities like water, electricity and I would put a vote to add internet 🙋🏽♀️; and
- Transportation – to get to and from work (at least).
You can start off with three months’ expenses to cover the four aforementioned areas. However, a better goal would be to save for at least six months’ expenses. When you reach your three-month mark, get cracking on your six-month goal.
Here are 4 smart tips to quickly build your emergency fund:
1) Calculate what you need to live on, that is, the necessities.
- Food
- Rent or mortgage or contribution to your household (if you live with your family)
- Water rate, electricity bill & Internet
- Transportation costs
(Yes, it is the same list. Repetition is powerful! 😜)
2) Eliminate the “frills”. ✂️
Evaluate your other expenses and decide what you need to cut now. Remember, you don’t want to be homeless or starving in the future! That’s an exaggeration 🙈 because God will take care of you. However, an emergency fund will help to reduce your stress level.
When you think of cost-cutting, think NEEDS versus WANTS. 🤔
Here are some things that I have cut in the past:
A) Amazon Prime annual subscription.
You can get free Amazon Prime trials from time to time. Or, you can pay a much smaller fee for a few days as opposed to its relatively high annual fee. Now, I restrict my Amazon purchases to a few times a year. Additionally, deals have a way of causing you to spend more!
B) Netflix subscription (or other forms of entertainment).
This might be a hard one for many, but think about it. What is most important to you right now – financial peace and freedom for the future or being entertained on your way to money worries? Give me the former any day!
By the way, YouTube is a good free alternative for education and entertainment.
C) Data plan for your phone.
When my husband and I were courting, one day he mentioned that he didn’t have a data plan because he didn’t think he needed one. Without a doubt, the Internet was accessible at home, at work, at church and nearly everywhere else that he went.
I thought to myself, “I should try that as well! There is no need to be connected with everyone 24 hours a day!” As a result, I saved more toward my emergency fund because I removed the expense of data for my phone.
D) Think about tasks or services you can begin to do on your own or ask a friend/relative to help you.
Some DIY tasks:
- Hair salon visits
- Cleaning your own home
- Pedicure and manicures
- Facials and waxing.
- Cleaning your own car.
I have cut out my hair salon costs completely. Also, I do my own facials, pedicures and manicures. YouTube is a fantastic source of information. When you have reached your six-month goal for your emergency fund, you can always resume.
3) Reduce costs.
Here are some cost-reduction ideas:
A) Buy generic brands instead of brand-name products.
Costco/Pricesmart has their brand which is often cheaper than their higher-end counterparts. Check your local supermarket for their brands. Generic brands generally perform just as well, but at a fraction of the cost!
B) Change your tastes from high-end to medium- or low- end.
For a short time, you may need to make your own homemade brew of tea or coffee instead of going to Starbucks.
Other ideas:
- Cook your own food instead of dining out. Create an in-home dining experience.
- Watch movies at home. Get that popcorn popping and put your feet up! 🍿
- Don’t buy any new clothes until you arrive at your emergency fund goal.
Need help? 12-day challenge to Build Your Emergency Fund Now!
C) Cut down on utility bills.
Some measures to take:
- Take off the lights when not in use. 💡
- Use less water when you shower and wash the dishes. 💦
- Use WhatsApp, Facetime or Facebook Messenger to make calls to family and friends. ☎
Every dime counts! 💰
“Every mikkle mek a mukkle” is the Jamaican equivalent to “A penny saved is a penny earned.”
4) Earn more.
Simple ideas to increase your income:
A) Sell what you have.
Sell books, clothes, and anything that you’re no longer using.
I started selling some of my books about two years ago. My bookshelf was overflowing with books in which I was no longer interested.
How do you decide what to sell? If you have not used an item in over a year and it’s of no sentimental value, maybe it’s time to part ways with it.
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”
B) Start a side hustle.
Can you offer your skills and earn extra income? 💲
God has given everyone not just one skill but several. What do you have in your hands? Pray and ask God to show you what you can offer the world as a good or a service.
5) Give.
Surprise surprise … I guess you didn’t expect to see this one!
But seriously, God has a way of multiplying when we give to others.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10-11 ESV
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Beauty on a Budget | 8 Money-Saving Tips
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Summary
Your ability to make wise financial decisions now might put you ahead of the game. Ultimately, your trust is in God, your Provider. However, as a single Christian woman, you need to also be a wise steward of all that He has entrusted to you. Undoubtedly, building an emergency fund is wise. Give yourself some financial margin by building your emergency fund today!
Have you saved for a rainy day? Do you have an emergency fund? What other tips would you give to build an emergency fund? Please comment below and enrich all readers.
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I’m very serious about helping you so I have created a challenge for you. Join the 12-day challenge to Build Your Emergency Fund Now. Every day, you will receive email tips and reminders. I’ll be adding some exciting bonus tips that are not in this post! You will definitely want those!
Building an emergency fund as a single woman was one of my smartest moves prior to getting married. Who’s in? Click “Yes, I NEED this!” and let me walk alongside you. It will be my absolute pleasure! 😁 Thanks for stopping by!
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Love & laughter,
Kimberly Garth
No. 5
“Put me to the test” has always stood out to me in that scripture. God is like, “I dare you, try me. Give and see how I pour out.” Ayeee!
I love your enthusiasm, Brianna!☺️ I love that verse too and it’s always encouraging to see the way God works when you trust Him. He gives back and multiplies what He has given to us in the first place!