Most young adults know they should save money, but putting it into an emergency fund often feels out of reach. A recent Bank of America survey found that 62% of Gen Z have no emergency savings at all — a worrying gap in financial preparedness. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve reports that 37% of Americans couldn’t cover a $400 emergency expense without borrowing or selling something.

But building an emergency fund doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Even Reddit users who’ve been dodging these savings goals have clear and practical advice. Here’s your simplified, step-by-step guide to get started.

1. Understand What an Emergency Fund Is For
An emergency fund is your life buffer. It’s money set aside for real emergencies — unexpected car repairs, medical bills, or job changes — not for grabbing takeout or shopping impulses.

2. Decide How Much You Need
Experts suggest starting small with $500 to $1,000. One Redditor called it your “emergency baby step.” Once you hit that, aim for three to six months of essential expenses. If your income is unstable (like gig work), consider saving 6 to 12 months — enough to weather career or economic shifts.

3. Set Mini Money Goals
Break it into bite-sized steps. Choose a milestone like “save $100 in one month” or “add $25 each paycheck.” Redditors say those small wins build momentum and make a full emergency fund feel doable.

4. Open a Separate Savings Account
Keep your emergency fund away from your regular spending money. A high-yield savings account not only protects your money but also earns a bit of interest. Some Reddit users stash part in I Bonds, but the key is keeping it accessible yet separate.

5. Automate Your Saving
Automating means saving happens without thinking. Set up automatic transfers from checking to savings right after payday. Redditors call it “pay yourself first.”

6. Find Money to Save
Look for tiny ways to cut $5–$20 from your routine: cancel unused subscriptions, cook at home, or negotiate your bills. Budgeting more carefully frees up cash you can reroute directly to your fund.

7. Increase Income If You Can
Even small side gigs — selling worn clothes, delivering for apps, or freelance design — can speed up your savings. Many Redditors do this and watch their emergency fund grow faster than expected.

8. Guard Your Savings From Temptation
Avoid linking this account to debit cards and don’t see it as an ATM. Keep it for true emergencies only.

9. Rebuild After You Use It
Life happens — and if you dip into your fund, start refilling immediately. Stabilizing it may take time, but consistency helps you bounce back.

10. Make it a Financial Habit
Saving isn’t one-and-done. As your income or expenses change, adjust your goals. One Redditor said that over time, having any buffer brought real peace of mind — even small savings can change how you feel about money.

Bottom line: Building an emergency fund is less about perfection and more about starting. Start small, stay consistent, and keep going. Your future self will thank you for being prepared.