A good rule of thumb for creating an emergency fund is to save 3-6 months' worth of living expenses in a easily accessible savings account. Consider setting up automatic transfers from your paycheck or bank account to make saving easier and less prone to being neglected. Prioritize needs over wants when allocating funds to the emergency fund, and remember that every little bit counts – even small daily savings can add up over time.
Some experts recommend categorizing expenses into needs (housing, food, utilities) and wants (entertainment, hobbies), then prioritizing those necessities to allocate to the emergency fund. Additionally, consider utilizing the 50/30/20 rule: allocating 50% of your income towards necessary expenses, 30% towards discretionary spending, and 20% towards saving and debt repayment.
When setting up an emergency fund, choose a savings account with low fees or no fees at all, such as a high-yield savings account or money market fund. Avoid keeping the funds in a retirement account, checking account, or other investment vehicle that might not be easily accessible in case of a financial emergency. By having a solid emergency fund in place, you can breathe easier and avoid financial stress when unexpected expenses arise.