Income + Budget + Envelopes = Emergency Fund

How important is an emergency fund? It is the #1 priority after feeding your family.

What constitutes an emergency fund? It needs to be actual money, not a HELOC or credit cards. Put a thousand dollars or more into the bank and you will be ready for life's small surprises.

How can you reach this extremely important financial goal? The nerd in me explains it in this mathematical formula:
Income: 3 low-cost, quick-start, income-producing ideas

For Sale Sign (pg 32) $0
Kettle Corn (pg 25) $500-1,000
Pressure Washing & Sealing (pg 83) $800-$1,000
BONUS from Brent Pittman at OnTargetCoach.com - Garden and Urban Garden sitting. Use your green thumb for neighbors who want someone to look over the vegetables in their back yard while they go on vacation.

Budget: 3 techniques for a working MoneyPlan

The Zac Bissonnette method: Automate bills, savings, and then debt repayment. The rest is yours to spend
Zero Based Budget or The Absolute Simplest Budget That Works
YNAB: The flexible plan

Envelopes: 3 that help control spending

Groceries
Clothing
Entertainment

How the Envelope System Works

Take the budgeted amount for that category out of the bank
Place the money in the envelope
Take only that envelope with you when you plan to spend it on the intended category
ONLY spend money from that envelope on things that belong to that category
Do not spend more than the envelope (you can't, you don't have the cash)

Combine Income + Budget + Envelopes with Ways to Save Cash Fast and you will QUICKLY be ready for life's little mishaps with an Emergency Fund!