Why You Still Don’t Have an Emergency Fund (and How to Finally Sort It)
You know you need one. You've told yourself you're going to set one up.
But somehow, it’s been six years and your “emergency fund” is still just a credit card and a vague sense of optimism.
So… why do so many otherwise competent professionals not have one? Because life’s busy. Because there’s always something else to pay for. And because no one gets a dopamine hit from shoving cash into an account you hope you’ll never touch.
Let’s fix that — with a proper plan that doesn’t rely on guilt, overwhelm, or magic thinking.
😩 The Real Reason You Haven’t Built It Yet
You’re not lazy. You’re just a human with limited time and mental energy.
Here’s what usually gets in the way:
You don’t know how much to save
You assume you’ll “just use a credit card”
You think your salary gives you immunity from random chaos
You’re trying to do it all in one go (spoiler: you won’t)
💸 So, How Much Is Enough?
Standard guidance is 3–6 months of expenses.
Let’s be honest: that sounds like a mountain. Especially if you don’t even know your monthly outgoings (no judgment… but go fix that).
Instead, break it into stages:
Tier Goal What it covers
Level 1 £500–£1,000 Absolute chaos buffer (tyres, boilers, fines, fees)
Level 2 1 month of expenses Job loss buffer for quick pivots
Level 3 3–6 months Full resilience fund for job loss, illness, or major disruption
🧠 How to Actually Build It (Without Losing the Plot)
✅ Automate it
If you have to choose to save every month, it won’t happen. Set up a standing order to a savings account the day after payday.
✅ Give it a name
Call it your Freedom Fund. Or your Oh Sh*t Buffer. Just make it real — psychologically, this works.
✅ Keep it boring
This isn’t money you invest. It’s cash. Accessible. In a dull savings account. This is the fire extinguisher, not the stock market.
🚫 What Doesn’t Count
❌ Your overdraft
❌ A credit card
❌ A savings pot you keep dipping into for birthday presents and Zara hauls
If it’s not protected — it’s not an emergency fund.
💬 Final Thought
An emergency fund won’t make you feel rich. But it will make you feel safe. And that’s the foundation for everything else.
So stop waiting for the “perfect time” to build it. Start where you are. Build slow. And don’t touch it — unless the universe really swings for you.
p.s. not advice obvs!
This article would be correct as at the time of writing but as we know; rules and regulations can change. Seek advice before taking any action.