Having an emergency fund in place, even if it’s small, makes life’s little surprises easier to handle. Building up that fund is a huge accomplishment, and worth the time and effort you’ll put into the project.
Having money set aside to cover minor emergencies, funding your retirement, and knowing that if you lost your job you could still pay the bills for a few months offers the kind of peace-of-mind that makes saving money worth the effort.
Inconsistency and infrequency are the biggest enemies of any savings plan. Even if you have a bit of extra money in your monthly budget, it can be easier to spend it on small things than to go through the effort of moving it into your savings account.
One of the most expensive times of year for many people is the winter holiday season. Gifts, hosting parties, large family gatherings, and travel expenses don’t have to cause problems with your budget, though.
How do a savings account and a retirement account differ? A savings account helps to insulate you from financial emergencies or unexpected expenses. A retirement account consists of money you are putting away for the specific purpose of retiring.
