First Midwest BankFirst Midwest Bank logoArrow DownIcon of an arrow pointing downwardsArrow LeftIcon of an arrow pointing to the leftArrow RightIcon of an arrow pointing to the rightArrow UpIcon of an arrow pointing upwardsBank IconIcon of a bank buildingCheck IconIcon of a bank checkCheckmark IconIcon of a checkmarkCredit-Card IconIcon of a credit-cardFunds IconIcon of hands holding a bag of moneyAlert IconIcon of an exclaimation markIdea IconIcon of a bright light bulbKey IconIcon of a keyLock IconIcon of a padlockMail IconIcon of an envelopeMobile Banking IconIcon of a mobile phone with a dollar sign in a speech bubbleMoney in Home IconIcon of a dollar sign inside of a housePhone IconIcon of a phone handsetPlanning IconIcon of a compassReload IconIcon of two arrows pointing head to tail in a circleSearch IconIcon of a magnifying glassFacebook IconIcon of the Facebook logoLinkedIn IconIcon of the LinkedIn LogoXX Symbol, typically used to close a menu
FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Man hands holding money bags, saving money wealth and financial concept, Business, finance, investment, loans, pension, emergency fund, savings, Financial planning.
Get Insights

Get monthly ideas delivered right to your inbox.

Subscribe for Insights

For Your Life Emily Guy Birken August 10, 2023

How to build an emergency fund when you live paycheck to paycheck

We all know that we’re supposed to be have an emergency fund equal to at least three months’ worth of expenses. Unfortunately, many of us are not in that position: 37% of American adults couldn’t cover a $400 emergency expense with cash.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that nearly two-thirds of Americans live paycheck to paycheck . Setting aside money in an emergency fund is challenging when you need every single cent of your paycheck just to cover living expenses.

So how do you get ahead when there’s always too much month left at the end of your money? Here are some tried-and-true methods for building an emergency fund when money is tight.

Of refunds and withholding

The average American taxpayer received a refund of $2,812 for the 2023 tax filing season. While an emergency fund of just over $2,800 is unlikely to cover three months’ worth of expenses, saving your tax refund could be a great way to seed your savings cushion.

But what if you’ve already spent this year’s refund? Refunds only come once a year, after all.

That’s why you may want to adjust your withholding to receive a smaller refund next tax season. A $2,812 refund is equivalent to an additional $108 per biweekly paycheck. If you update your W-4 so that Uncle Sam only withholds about 50% of that, you’ll see an additional $54 per paycheck and can still expect a refund of about $1,400.

While you’re at HR adjusting your withholding, set up an automatic transfer of that $54 per paycheck to your savings account. The emergency fund may grow slowly, but you won’t miss money that you never counted on.

A roomier budget

Though you may assume there is no wiggle room anywhere in your budget, there are often overlooked costs that you can reduce or eliminate with just a little time and attention.

To start, do you know everything you’re paying for? The subscription model has become a default for many industries, and it can be very easy to forget about recurring expenses you don’t often use. Take an hour or two to look over your bank and credit card statements to identify and cancel unused subscriptions, and immediately set up an automatic transfer of your savings into your emergency fund.

Negotiating your bills can be another great way to create slack in your budget. There is often more leeway in the amount you pay than you realize.

For example, internet providers and cellphone service providers are often keen to offer you a price break in order to keep you. Find the lowest rates in your area—either from your current provider as a new subscriber offer or from their competition—and use that price as leverage in your negotiation.

While you can generally negotiate with your internet provider anytime, it’s easier to negotiate with your cellphone service provider toward the end of your contract. In either case, the retention or cancellation department will usually have the most authority to make a deal with you. And of course, being pleasant and easy to work with usually means the service representative will want to help you.

Clutter or cash?

Emergencies have a way of clarifying what’s important—and some of what you own may be less vital to your life and happiness than you think. Rather than waiting for an emergency to strike to realize you don’t need a second gaming system or formal dishes, consider looking at your possessions as if you’re already facing a financial emergency. That can help you determine what you really need and what you can let go of.

With this list in hand, start selling some of your things and deposit the money in your emergency fund. Since this is for your fund, rather than an immediate emergency, you can take some time to get the best prices. Selling an item or two a week can help your emergency fund grow quickly.

Employee assistance

If you’re staring down a financial emergency before your savings account has had time to grow, ask about an employee assistance fund at your workplace. Many employers offer direct financial assistance to workers facing economic hardship.

Ask your HR department if your workplace offers such a fund as part of its employee assistance program—and encourage them to create one if they don’t.

You can get ahead

A little foresight, motivation, and creativity can help you create an emergency fund—even when you feel live paycheck to paycheck.

We can help you create an emergency fund that's right for you and your situation. Meet with a banker to discuss your options today!

This article was written by Emily Guy Birken from Fast Company and was legally licensed through the Industry Dive Content Marketplace. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.

Subscribe for Insights

Subscribe