Life has a way of surprising us, whether it’s a blown tire, a broken appliance, or an unexpected medical bill.

With no savings to fall back on, even a small emergency can become a big one.

That’s why an emergency savings fund matters.

You don’t need thousands of dollars on day one. Just begin with a simple goal, like saving $500 by a certain date.

Even that small cushion can help you weather sudden expenses and keep you from relying on credit cards or high interest loans that you'll need to pay off later.

Instead, look for money you can redirect without major sacrifice. Set up a small automatic transfer each payday or cancel a subscription you never use. Or save part of your annual tax refund, if you receive one.

Put the money in a separate savings account that’s easy to access and earns a little interest.

Progress is what counts. Start small, keep going and give yourself a safety net for when you need it.

This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by Lee Van Pelt, your Edward Jones financial advisor at (541) 756-0854 edwardjones.com/lee-vanpelt. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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