Saving for an emergency fund can feel tough when money is tight. You don’t need a big chunk of cash to get started. Small steps help you grow savings, even if you only set aside a little at a time. If you want to feel more secure, try these nine easy ways to build an emergency fund without stretching your budget.
Start with Small, Daily Savings
You don’t have to set aside huge amounts of money all at once. Start by saving small amounts each day. For example, you could skip your daily coffee run and put that $3-$5 into a savings account. Over time, these little amounts add up without requiring you to find extra cash or make drastic lifestyle changes.
💸 Take Back Control of Your Finances in 2025 💸
Get Instant Access to our free mini course
5 DAYS TO A BETTER BUDGET
Round Up Your Purchases
Many apps and banks offer the option to round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and put the difference into savings. For example, if you buy something for $4.50, the app will round it up to $5. The extra 50 cents goes directly into your emergency fund. It’s a small, effortless way to build your savings over time.
Sell Unused Items
Check your closet, shelves, or garage for stuff you don’t use anymore. Old clothes, books, or electronics can turn into quick cash. Sell them on places like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. This is a simple way to grow your emergency fund without pulling from your paycheck. Plus, you’ll clear out clutter while you’re at it.
Cut Back on One Subscription
Take a look at your subscriptions—streaming, gym, or monthly boxes—and pick one to cancel. Even dropping just one frees up extra cash each month. Move that savings into your emergency fund instead. You’ll add to your savings with hardly any change to your daily life.
Use Windfalls and Extra Income
When you receive extra income—whether it’s a tax refund, birthday money, or a small work bonus—put a portion of it straight into your emergency fund. It doesn’t have to be the entire amount, but using these one-time payments is a great way to give your savings a boost without dipping into your regular income.
Automate Your Savings
Even if it’s just a small amount, set up automatic transfers to your emergency fund each month. You won’t even notice the money leaving your account, and it helps you stay consistent. It could be as little as $10 or $20 a month, but over time, it adds up. Automation makes saving effortless and ensures you’re always putting something aside.
Start a Spare Change Jar
Every time you have spare change from cash purchases, drop it into a jar or container. While this might not seem like much at first, it adds up quicker than you think. At the end of the month, count it up and deposit the funds into your savings account. It’s a no-pressure way to build your emergency fund a little at a time.
Reduce Non-Essential Spending
Look for easy ways to cut back on non-essential spending. This could mean cooking at home more often instead of dining out, or finding cheaper entertainment options. By lowering your daily or weekly expenses, you free up more money to allocate to your emergency fund. These small changes can make a big difference over time.
Use a Cash-Back App
There are a variety of cash-back apps that give you a percentage of your purchases back when you shop at certain stores or online retailers. Consider using apps like Rakuten or Ibotta, and direct the cash back into your emergency fund. It’s a painless way to save while shopping for things you already need.
Prioritize Your Emergency Fund Over Non-Essentials
Instead of splurging on non-essentials or impulse buys, make your emergency fund a priority. This could mean holding off on a new outfit, skipping an extra night out, or postponing a big purchase. Every dollar you don’t spend on non-essentials can go toward your savings. The more disciplined you are, the faster your fund will grow.
Start Small, Build Big
You don’t need a high income to start an emergency fund. Small, steady choices matter most. Make savings a priority, even if you only put away a few dollars each week. Over time, those small amounts add up. Knowing you have a safety net for surprises brings real peace of mind.
9 Savings Challenges to Help Boost Your Savings in the New Year
When it comes to saving money, gamifying it can be a great motivator. Even as adults, we are motivated by challenges or competitions, which is why money saving challenges are a great way to motivate yourself to save money and work toward reaching your financial goals. 9 Savings Challenges to Help Boost Your Savings in the New Year