How to deal with unexpected expenses

Sudden expenses, like major medical bills or expensive home repairs, can throw you off track, derailing your monthly budget or sidelining major goals. A little preparation, including dedicated savings, can go a long way.

Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for the unexpected.

Start an emergency fund

An emergency fund can help you stay above water when unexpected events require cash outside of your monthly budget.

There’s no universal benchmark for an emergency fund. But as a general rule, aim to save at least 3 months of your regular expenses. 

You don’t have to save this much overnight. The trick, like all savings goals, is to start saving small amounts regularly - comfortable amounts you can manage every month, that can steadily build toward your goal (and start earning interest).

Bright can do this for you automatically. Once you’re connected, set your own savings goal. Bright will learn your spending habits and save the right amount every month, automatically.

Review non-essential spending

To help save more for emergencies, consider shifting some non-essential expenditures to your emergency fund. Take a look at your spending. Is there anything you could do without - temporarily, at least, while you build your emergency fund. 

Short-term sacrifices can pay off later, when you’re ready for an emergency with enough in the bank.  

Consider a personal loan

A low-interest personal loan can help pay unexpected bills. Before you take one on, make sure you can afford the monthly payments, in addition to your other ongoing debts. Also plan to pay back the loan as quickly as possible to avoid racking up interest charges.  

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                                                          Personal finance tips to keep you on track.

Make extra money

If you’re already on a tight budget and are unable to cut more costs, look for temporary ways to earn money to help build your emergency fund. 

Some ways to make some quick bucks:

• Sell an appliance or household items that you no longer need or can do without.

• Ask your boss if you can pick up some extra hours at your workplace.

• Find seasonal jobs to take on after your regular work hours.

• Pick up a part-time work-from-home job.

• Share your professional knowledge with others through mentoring, tutoring or consulting individuals or upcoming businesses that could benefit from your experience.
  

Check your insurance

Health, property and fire insurance are a few common safeguards against emergencies. Start with a quick review of your health insurance and make sure you can cover the deductible and copays. That’s a good place to start when planning your emergency fund. Consider shopping for policies with better premiums and pay offs. 

Life is full of uncertainties. Make sure you prepare in ways that make sense for you.

Use Bright to build an emergency fund

If you've having trouble saving, Bright can help build an emergency fund automatically. 

Once you download the Bright app, our MoneyScience™ system studies your finances, then adds to your Bright Savings account automatically, when it makes sense for you. Bright moves funds week by week, so you’re saving regularly and you start earning interest sooner. 

You can set your own goals and add your own targeted funds, from an emergency fund to special personal funds focused on your next milestones, like a car or a vacation or buying a house. 

If you don't have it yet, download the Bright app from the App Store or Google Play. Connect your bank, set your own goals, then let Bright get to work.

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