How to Prepare for Financial Emergencies and Unexpected Expenses

Nobody can predict when an unexpected financial emergency will strike, but having a plan in place can make the experience much less stressful.

If you’re faced with car repairs, medical bills or something more significant like a job loss, having an emergency fund is essential for managing these expenses and remaining financially sound.

1. Have a Plan in Place

Unexpected expenses and financial crises are part of life. From car repairs to medical bills, these unexpected events can pile up quickly and cause major stress.

Though you cannot always predict when unexpected expenses will arise, there are steps you can take to prepare. Most importantly, have a strategy in place for handling these scenarios when they do arise.

2. Have Cash on Hand

Cash on hand is essential for financial emergencies and unexpected expenses. Not only does it keep you out of debt, but it also helps keep your savings goals on track.

Ideally, you should have three to six months’ worth of expenses saved for emergencies. But ultimately, how much you save depends on your spending habits and how much money is actually necessary in an emergency.

3. Have a Backup Plan

Life can be unpredictable and there are a variety of factors that could cause unexpected financial issues. Having a backup plan in place ensures you have everything necessary to get through these situations without feeling overwhelmed with debt.

In order to create a backup plan, it’s essential to reflect deeply upon your objectives, identify any potential issues and devise solutions. Furthermore, writing down your strategy and testing it regularly are both essential steps.

4. Have a Backup Credit Card

Maintaining a backup credit card is not only wise, but it can be lifesaving in an emergency. Not only does it replace essential items, but its high interest rates help you steer clear of payday loans and other short-term financing solutions.

A second card can earn rewards and boost your credit score. Make sure the card you select from a reliable company has all of your necessary information on file for it to function correctly. Additionally, look into cards offering 0% APR on purchases for limited times; these offers may be an excellent money saver.

5. Have a Backup Budget

One of the best ways to prepare for financial emergencies and unexpected expenses is having a backup budget. A backup budget is simply an account in your bank that you set aside specifically for these types of costs.

Create a backup budget by going through your regular budget and eliminating any nonessential expenses from each category. Doing this will give you an idea of where money could be saved in case of emergency.

In addition to having a backup budget, it’s also essential to have cash on hand and an emergency plan. Doing so will enable you to be prepared for anything that may arise and avoid getting into debt.

6. Have a Backup Credit Card

Backup credit cards can come in handy when you’re short on funds. They enable you to make purchases while your primary card arrives via postal delivery.

It can also be advantageous if you want to save money on interest charges. For instance, you may be able to transfer a balance from one of your higher-interest credit cards to one with a lower APR.