Emergency fund? What’s that? You’ve probably heard a lot about how you should have one, but do you know what it all means?
It used to be that people had job security. A person might hold a job from the age of 18 until he or she retired at the age of 65. Today it is estimated that an individual could have more than 1 career during a working lifetime, even as many as three or four. Today,, many people are finding themselves without an income, due to layoffs, down-sizing and lack of available jobs. so what happens when the car breaks down or the refrigerator dies?
With no emergency fun, a person or family would have to get along with out the car, or put repairs on a credit card. While this make take care of the immediate problem, that bill will still have to be paid. the more months you have a balance on a credit card, the more you pay in interest.
Experts believe that you should have 3-6 months of savings put away in an emergency fund. this means that you take the amount of money you need to live each month and multiply it times four or six. This can seem like a lot of money, especially to someone living with no income. So how do you do it?
If you have an income, take a portion of every paycheck and put it into your emergency fund. If you do not have a steady income, you have to be a bit more frugal. If you eat out a lot, cut back. Put that money into your emergency fund. If you go to movies, borrow movies from friends or the library, and make your own popcorn. Put the ticket and popcorn movie money into your emergency fund. Stop impulse shopping. this money is for EMERGENCIES only.
So when do you use this money? if a vital appliance breaks or needs repair. I’m not talking about a blender. I’m talking about a refrigerator, air conditioner, stove or car. If you have to fly across the country for a funeral, use some of the emergency money. that usually constitutes an emergency. Deaths are not usually planned.
Be sensible. Use the fund when you really need to, not when you want to. these are two different circumstances. focus on the need, and you should do pretty well.
Connie David is a Money Guide. She helps people find ways to keep more of their hard-earned money.For more information: Click Here