How to Start Building an Emergency Fund (3-Steps That Actually Works)
Let’s be real. Nothing feels less glamorous than “saving money for emergencies.” 🙄
But here’s the twist: building an emergency fund isn’t just about being responsible. It’s the ultimate glow-up for your future self—the kind that looks like calm confidence, financial freedom and never stressing when life throws shade.
And the best part? You don’t need a finance degree or a six-figure salary to start.
You just need three small shifts (aka the Rich & Smart way to save without sucking the joy out of your life).
👉 Before we dive in, grab my free 7-Day Money Deep Clean here or below (so you can tick off your progress while sipping your latte).
Step 1: Start Tiny — and Stay Consistent
I started mine with $25. Literally.
I even gave it a cute name—my Mini Peace Fund. I laughed at how small it was, but here’s the secret: consistency beats perfection.
$25 a week = $100 a month.
$100 a month = $1,300 in a year.
That’s your rent, your car payment, or your sanity cushion when life decides to test you.
🔑 Hack: We all love instant gratification. So instead of waiting until you can save a big number, start ridiculously small. Your brain gets the dopamine hit of progress, and suddenly saving feels fun instead of heavy.
💌 Want more tiny but powerful money hacks? Join the Rich & Smart newsletter—it’s like having a money BFF who actually makes finance fun and hands you a financial tip every friday!
Step 2: Automate It Like Netflix
Confession: I used to set reminders on my phone to “transfer money to savings.”
Guess how many times I did it? Almost never.
But when I set up an auto-transfer, something shifted. It became just like Spotify or Netflix—money leaving my account without me thinking about it. Only this time, it was leaving for future-me, not some random subscription.
✨ The psychology here? Willpower is flaky. Automation is freedom. Once it’s set, you’ve literally hacked your brain out of the equation.
👉 If you’re ready to put your money on autopilot, I show you my 3 favorite lazy money systems inside my free guide. Get it below ⬇️
Step 3: Rename the Account
Please don’t call it “Savings.” Snooze.
Money is emotional. If your account feels boring, you’ll ignore it. If it feels fun, you’ll nurture it.
Some of my favorites:
F*ck Off Money (for quitting a toxic job (or maybe a douchebag) on the spot)
Peace of Mind (for anxiety-free sleep)
Bali 2026 (because sometimes emergencies look like plane tickets 🏝️)
The name is the identity trigger—it makes saving feel aligned with your lifestyle, not a punishment.
The Rich & Smart Truth
Building your emergency fund doesn’t mean saying goodbye to iced lattes or fun nights out. It means saying yes to a calmer, cooler version of you—the one who doesn’t panic when life gets messy.
Because here’s the glow-up no one talks about: financial confidence looks good on everyone.
👉 Ready to start your own Peace Fund? Download my free 7-Day Money Deep Clean and set your first $25 aside today.
FAQs About Building an Emergency Fund
1. How much should I save in an emergency fund?
Start with one month of expenses. Long-term, aim for 3–6 months. But remember—starting small is better than not starting at all.
2. Do I need a special account for it?
Yes and no! You don’t HAVE to, you CAN use a normal savings account as long as it’s separate from your checking account so you’re not tempted to dip into it. However I strongly suggest to open a separate high-yield savings account that makes your money grow without you lifting a finger.
3. What if I can’t afford to save right now?
Even $5–$10 a week matters. The goal is building the habit, not the amount.
4. Should I invest my emergency fund?
Nope. This money is about safety + access, not risk. Keep it liquid and boring.
5. What if I already have debt?
You can do both. Start with a micro-fund ($500–$1,000), then focus on debt. It’s about balance. Ps: I’ll teach you how to balance this inside the wealth club.
6. How do I stay motivated to keep saving?
Rename your account, track your progress, and remind yourself: this fund = freedom.
Final Word: Your Glow-Up Starts Now
An emergency fund isn’t just financial—it’s emotional. It’s the power to breathe easier, sleep deeper, and make choices from confidence, not fear.
So start with $25. Automate it. Rename it.
And watch as your money—and your confidence—glows up with you.
Ready to make your money match your dreams?
✨ YOUR NEXT STEP:
Download the free 7-Day Money Deep Clean and stop letting jargon (or avoidance) run your finances.
Because you’re not bad with money my love. You’re just ready to be in control of it. There’s a huge difference.
You got this.
And babe? If you’re sitting there and can’t figure out where to even start cleaning up the mess we call finances, or if money feels very hard right now—you can always send me an email: kiki@getrichandsmart.com
Because I’ve been there too… I’ve gone to sleep hungry so my kids could eat. I’ve been in a bad situation I couldn’t leave because I had no money. I’ve had the pile of bills I couldn’t pay. I’ve had the debt collectors call me on my phone and felt the anxiety in the pit of my stomach, not knowing how to fix my life.
I decided to turn my life around and here I am today—debt free and can afford to buy my kids exactly what they need. I made it my mission to help women get out of it, and I won’t stop until I have done everything I can. I promise.
XO Kiki <3
