We’re so excited to have Brightpeak Financial as on of our exhibitors at NYWC Louisville. This is a post from their team with some helpful tips for your emergency fund, which we all know is a huge need for any youth worker.

If the car breaks down, the washer dies or one of the kids takes a brave tumble from the jungle gym, where would you get the money to pay the bill?

Did anyone say, “My emergency fund?”

For most of us, unexpected events like these result in added stress and four-letter expletives that include: “Debt!” That’s why an emergency fund is so important. It can help you avoid debt and turn a potential crisis into just a minor inconvenience.

Saving doesn’t have to be difficult.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that saving has to be difficult and painful. In fact, it can be fun, and brightpeak financial can give you the saving advice to get started!

But you might be asking yourself, “Seriously? After paying the bills and having a little well-deserved fun, who has money left to save for an ‘emergency?’” Well, we’re here to help you know where to look, so you can grow that emergency fund!

Try these 10 tips to save money and build your emergency fund:

1. Track it.

Start tracking your spending to the dollar, category by category. Then, go through your list line by line and cut out what you can. Example: Do you really need to buy every new app?

2. Dare to compare.

For necessary purchases like groceries and gas, comparison shop before you buy.

3. Make it automatic.

Ask your bank or credit union to automatically transfer funds from checking to savings every month. What you don’t see, you may never miss. Revisit the amount you’re saving after a few months. If you don’t miss $50 a month, would you miss $75?

4. Don’t shop—swap.

Swap your old books, CDs and DVDs for new ones—for free. Also check out sites like ThredUp to save on hand-me-downs you and your kids will actually like.

5. De-stress for less.

Instead of heading to the spa, try some basic yoga, stretching or meditation techniques at home. Do you really need that gym membership when you can run, hike and bike … outside?

6. Money in the bag.

Many stores offer rebates and incentives to customers who use environmentally friendly, re-usable totes.

7. BYOM.

Making coffee at home is cheaper than buying it from your favorite barista. Designate just a few days a week to treat yourself. Also, adopt a BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug) policy. It could score you a discount at your favorite coffee shop.

8. Free up some family time.

Save money on a sitter—and dining out. Take the kids with you, but choose a restaurant where kids eat free.

9. Meat in the middle.

Fruits, vegetables, soy and rice are generally cheaper than meat. Lower your grocery bills by eating healthier and reducing the amount of meat you eat. Here are eight healthy ingredients for $1 or less.

10. Avoid the markups.

Before you order a big bucket of popcorn at the theater, consider the price you’ll pay. It could make you change your mind. Also, check out these other products with giant markups.

Brightpeak financial can give you the saving advice to get started—so you can live without the worry of the next time your refrigerator goes kaput.