NEW YORK (AP) — Maybe your car broke down, your computer was stolen, or you had a surprise visit to urgent care. Emergencies are inevitable, but you can prepare to deal with them by building an emergency fund. “There are so many things that happen in our lives that we don’t expect and most of them require financial means to overcome,” said Miklos Ringbauer, a certified public accountant. The industry standard is to save three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund. However, this can feel daunting ...

Are you struggling to make ends meet? Are you trying to work toward a major financial goal, like buying a house or sending your child to college, but falling short? For You: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 Read Next: 9 Downsizing Tips for the Middle Class To Save on Monthly Expenses Frugal living expert Austin Williams can help. He’s a testament to the power of living below your means to take control of your finances. All you have to do is follow his eight steps below. 1. Understand ...

Watching your bank account balance increase is a good feeling. You’re growing your wealth and probably getting closer to your financial goals. But there comes a point when you can have too much money in your account, according to personal finance influencer Humphrey Yang. Check Out: Here’s How To Build an Emergency Fund Without Blowing Your Budget Read Next: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 In a new YouTube video, Yang shared how keeping excess cash in your bank account can cost you. L ...

Core Insights - The current global economy is characterized by volatility in stock markets, rising prices of goods, and an unpredictable job market, which is particularly affecting middle-class earners [1] - There are effective strategies that middle-class earners can implement to safeguard their finances amidst economic uncertainty, as suggested by financial experts [2][3] Financial Strategies - Establishing an emergency fund is crucial for middle-class earners to protect against unexpected financial challenges such as job loss or health issues [4] - Financial security involves planning for both significant life events and smaller, unforeseen expenses, allowing for greater flexibility during tough times [5] - A recommended approach is to create three separate bank accounts: one for essential expenses, one for discretionary spending, and one for emergencies, ideally a high-yield savings account [5][6] - Implementing an automatic savings system, where a portion of income is transferred to savings accounts regularly, can help ensure consistent savings without requiring active management [6]

Core Insights - Job security is a significant concern for workers due to mass layoffs, with October marking the worst month for layoff announcements in over two decades [1] - The ongoing government shutdown has exacerbated job security fears, affecting thousands of federal employees [1] Group 1: Job Loss Preparedness - Workers are advised to take proactive steps to protect their financial security in anticipation of potential layoffs [2][3] - Understanding rights and benefits post-job loss is crucial, including reviewing employment contracts for insurance benefits and severance packages [4][5] - Familiarizing oneself with state unemployment websites can provide essential information on eligibility, documentation, and benefit amounts [5] Group 2: Financial Management Strategies - Reviewing and adjusting budgets is essential; creating a lean budget focused on essentials can help manage finances during unemployment [6][7][8] - Establishing an emergency fund with three to six months' worth of living expenses is recommended to provide a financial cushion [9][10] - Prioritizing debt repayment can alleviate financial burdens, allowing for better management of essential expenses [11][12] Group 3: Income Diversification - Diversifying income sources can enhance financial security, encouraging individuals to explore freelance opportunities or side gigs [13][14]

If you feel like your debt is keeping you from saving or building wealth, you’re not the only one. According to a survey from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), which shared figures with CNBC, a whopping 71% of American adults agree that monthly debt gets in the way of building of savings and wealth, and 17% say their debt keeps them from planning for the future. (1) (2) Must Read In addition, the survey showed 33% of respondents were “just getting by” financially. Meanwhile, 32% said ...

Core Insights - A recent GOBankingRates survey indicates that 34% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, with 18% having no savings, complicating their financial situation [1][2] Group 1: Importance of Cash Flow Cushion - Financial coach Bernadette Joy emphasizes the necessity of a "cash flow cushion," recommending that individuals maintain at least one month's worth of expenses in their checking account to avoid financial stress [3][4] - This cushion helps prevent overdraft fees and allows for more confident financial decision-making, moving away from desperation [3] Group 2: Building the Cash Flow Cushion - To establish a cash flow cushion, individuals should calculate their essential monthly expenses, including rent or mortgage, utilities, food, transportation, and health expenses [4] - Joy suggests reallocating savings or adjusting budgets to prioritize building this cushion, and maintaining it is crucial once established [5]

Core Insights - Money market accounts (MMAs) are hybrid deposit accounts that combine features of checking and savings accounts, often providing check-writing capabilities and debit cards while earning interest [1][2][4] Group 1: Definition and Features - Money market accounts are deposit accounts offered by banks and credit unions, distinguished from traditional savings accounts by their higher interest rates and additional features [2][17] - These accounts are FDIC insured up to $250,000, providing a safe place to hold funds while earning interest [3][19] - Many money market accounts allow limited check-writing and debit card usage, although some banks impose transaction limits [4][19] Group 2: Misconceptions - A common misconception is that money market accounts are the same as money market funds; they are distinct financial instruments with different risk profiles and insurance coverage [5][6][7] - Money market accounts are not designed to protect against inflation, as their interest rates may not keep pace with inflation rates [9][10] - Holding a large allocation in money market accounts can be inefficient due to changing inflation rates, and diversification is recommended [11][14] Group 3: Investment Strategy - It is suggested that individuals should not rely solely on money market accounts for savings; instead, a diversified investment strategy can yield better returns [13][15][16] - Establishing an emergency fund in money market accounts is advisable, but excess funds should be invested to avoid opportunity costs [12][19] - A strategic approach involves categorizing funds into short-term, mid-term, and long-term buckets to optimize savings and investment [15][16]

If you’re furloughed or lose your job, do you know how much money you’d need to bridge the gap until you start getting a paycheck again? This refers to your so-called “burn rate” — a term commonly used by startup companies to measure how quickly cash reserves are spent before they become profitable. Must Read But it can apply to regular people, too. And it’s increasingly top of mind with the private sector shedding 32,000 jobs in September, according to the ADP National Employment Report, based on the a ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the considerations for retirees regarding IRA contributions and emergency funds, emphasizing the importance of understanding income sources and financial planning strategies [3][4]. Group 1: IRA Contributions - Retirees may not be able to make IRA contributions unless they have earned income, which is typically derived from employment [3]. - If a spouse is still employed and has sufficient income, spousal contributions to an IRA may be possible [3]. - The process of withdrawing from an IRA to contribute to another account and then withdrawing again is deemed unnecessary and complex [4]. Group 2: Emergency Fund - An emergency fund is crucial for retirees, providing peace of mind and financial security [6]. - The traditional guideline of maintaining three to six months' worth of living expenses may be adjusted for retirees, especially if they rely solely on Social Security benefits [6][7]. - Since retirees may not face the same income loss concerns as pre-retirement individuals, a smaller emergency fund may suffice [7].