How To Build an Emergency Account

If you can't build up an emergency account because you don't have any money left over at the end of the month, track your expenses for two weeks. Two weeks should be long enough to get a general feel of your normal expenses. Take a look at your purchases and determine which ones you could do without. Try to shave off at least ten percent of your income to stash away in an emergency fund. Eat out less or eat less expensive food at home. Buy used instead of new. Find hobbies that you can do for free. Ask for a raise. Although it may seem like an inconvenience now, every dollar you save in an emergency account could benefit you many times its face value if you're able to avoid putting money on high-interest credit cards or taking out expensive loans when you're strapped for cash.