How I Built an Emergency Fund with Absolutely nothing.

Everyone has read the advice in the textbooks: saving 3 to 6 months of the expenditure in case of an emergency. However, when you live paycheck to paycheck, and you are not able to make the ends meet at the end of the month, that piece of advice is unattainable. I was in that exact position. I had a feeling that I needed a back-up, but there was just no money to save.

Then I cogitated long enough and discovered that I did not need a huge pay increase in order to begin. I simply had to change the way I think. This is how I saved a substantial emergency fund using the so-called hidden money that I was not even aware of.

The Reality: What Becomes of the Saved Money?

I used to make attempts at reducing costs in the past. I would choose not to purchase an item due to reasons of saving money, however the issue was that the money remained in my pocket and would be used to purchase other things. This time I issued myself an order: Either spend it, or save it literally at the moment.

1. Turning a Lift into an Investment

I would be driven to work by a colleague or a friend occasionally. I would have usually taken that free money and bought some snack or a coffee. Rather, I began to transfer the sum of money I would have paid in the bus fare directly into my emergency fund. I took it as a bill which I had already paid.

2. Workout to Keep your Body, to Save your Brain

I began to walk some of the distances as opposed to taking a brief bus or taxi ride. It was good workout: not only was it very healthy but also the money I saved on the transportation was transferred to my fund. I felt having achieved something when I saw those small notes adding up.

3. The "Sweet" Sacrifice

I started to refuse minor desires, such as sweets or snacks that are not a necessity. Whenever I said no to a sweet pastry, I said yes to my economic future life. I would have the money I spent on that snack and put it in my savings. It was not only about the money but also about discipline.

4. The Power of Small Coins

Every day I began gathering all the coins that were lying in my pockets at the end of the day. To most people, these are mere trifles but I kept on doing them regularly. By the time the jar was full I changed those coins into bigger bills and deposited them. You would not believe it so fast how the worthless coins can become a meaningful amount.

The Change toward Positive Thinking

Something wonderful occurred to me, as I went on this journey. My mind started helping me. Saving money ceased being a burden and instead turned out to be a pleasure. Any saving was a victory I got in every dollar ($). It became a sort of positive thinking—that I could make something out of nothing.

Final Thoughts

Then, those pocket slaps, pansies and crumbs; those small bus fares and turned-up noses became a real Emergency Fund. I did not require bonus or raise I simply had to grab the money that was already passing through my fingers.

In case you believe that you cannot save due to the lack of a high income do what I did at my beginning. Save the small wins. Due to the fact that a mighty ocean indeed is made by little drops of water.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and motivational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial advice. Every individual's financial situation is unique. Please consult with a certified financial advisor before making any major financial decisions.