We Built a $3,000 Emergency Fund in 4 Months
Estimated read time: 6 min
Win: $3,000 saved in 4 months by paying ourselves first and automating weekly.
Our Setup
- Target: $3,000 (starter emergency fund)
- Account: High-yield savings (separate from checking)
- Rule: One flex week per month if cash is tight
Weekly Automation Plan
- On payday, move 10–15% to savings automatically.
- Every Friday, auto-transfer a small fixed amount (e.g., $35).
- Use one flex week per month: skip transfer if needed, resume next week.
- Keep the fund separate to avoid “accidental” spending.
Get the Savings Automation Sheet →
Month-by-Month Progress
| Month | Auto Transfers | Pay-Yourself-First | Total Saved |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $140 | $450 | $590 |
| 2 | $140 | $450 | $1,180 |
| 3 | $140 | $450 | $1,770 |
| 4 | $140 | $1,090 | $3,000 |
Copy This Plan: Automate payday + weekly transfers → Allow one flex week → Keep savings separate.