[vc_row][vc_column][stm_spacer height=”150″ height_mobile=”-100″][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:center|color:%233f3f3f” google_fonts=”font_family:Montserrat%3Aregular%2C700|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”large” alignment=”center” css_animation=”none”][stm_separator color=”custom” style=”style_3″ custom_color=”#0d97ff” sep_width=”200px” sep_height=”10px” sep_css=”.vc_custom_1571309810608{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_raw_html]JTVCRElTUExBWV9VTFRJTUFURV9TT0NJQUxfSUNPTlMlNUQ=[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]The weather can be really unpredictable, especially here in the Philippines. While typhoon season is technically from June to November, it’s best to be prepared all year round. In addition to listing down emergency hotlines and assembling a survival kit, an emergency fund is essential. 
An emergency fund is money you have saved and keep accessible in case of unexpected situations – unanticipated events will cause you to spend your hard-earned cash, and this makes it difficult to achieve your life goals. We’ve seen typhoons take away personal belongings, damage homes and cause illness. All of these are situations in which having an emergency fund can make all the difference.
To shelter your financial life from the destruction such calamities can bring, keep three to six months of your living expenses in a savings account. Since access is important during emergencies, keep this fund separate from your other savings and investments. It sounds intimidating, but you can build up to such an amount. Here are some reminders to keep you motivated: [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]1. Decide you can do this.
Your mind is your most powerful motivational tool. Adjust your mindset and let go of past money mistakes. Be real with yourself about what your needs are, so you can set an achievable goal with realistic timelines. Think about your end goals and why you have started on your journey to stay motivated.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]2. Start small.
Too much pressure can be demotivating, so start small and build from there. How much do you need at a minimum to pay for your food, housing, core utilities, and transportation? This number might not be as large as you think.Set monthly goals that are achievable, and remember every peso counts! [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]3. Make a budget.
In order to ensure that you’re continuously building up this fund, set a budget for your spending.  Treating your savings as a monthly expense ensures that you remain aware of your spending, and that you don’t forget to save.  [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]4. Grow as you go.
When your income changes, adjust your savings to save more as you earn more. Remember that idle money will get spent. You probably won’t remember what you spent it on later.  [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]5. Keep going.
Focus on your goal. Whenever you feel like spending a portion of your emergency fund, remind yourself why you are doing it in the first place. You never know when an emergency will arise, so preparation is key. Good luck! [/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTVCRElTUExBWV9VTFRJTUFURV9TT0NJQUxfSUNPTlMlNUQ=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” shadow_x_offset=”0″ shadow_y_offset=”0″ shadow_blur=”0″ shadow_spread=”0″][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
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