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A trip to the emergency room, unexpected home repairs, car problems, unplanned travel …  pure emergencies! These are some of the unforeseen circumstances that can put a drain on your hard-earned savings. 

 

An emergency fund can help to cover these unexpected costs without dipping into your regular cash flow or running up debt with a credit card or financing.

 

So how do you start an emergency fund?

First, understand that an emergency fund is NOT

  • For planned purchases like a house, new car, college education and such.
  • A large, unattainable amount – start with setting aside at least 10% of your net income.
  • A set amount for everyone – they vary according to your income, lifestyle and necessary household and family expenses.

How much should you save?

Whether you’re earning a monthly income or retired, you should have enough money to cover at least six to eight months of living expenses as your safety net.

Where can you park your emergency fund?

To ensure your savings are secure and will be readily available when you need it, seek facilities that are:

 

  • Safe from market risk. You’ll know your money is there when you need it most.
  • Easy to access. All to ensure you can withdraw the money easily and effortlessly.
  • Income-earning. Although the reason behind an emergency fund isn’t about making money, don’t deny yourself the opportunity to earn some profit on your savings.
     

There are two popular places to park your emergency fund:

  • Saving Account
    A saving account give you the flexibility in managing your finances for unexpected expenses and the things you desire. At the meant time, you can earn on the interest, though it low. If you frequently traffic your cash, a saving account is good for you.

 

  • Fixed deposit accounts
    Fixed deposits or FDs earn higher profit rates than a typical savings account. However, should you withdraw before the FD matures, you will lose the profit but at least your initial investment remains.

 

If your emergency fund is already sorted, you’re well ahead of the pack. If not, it’s never too late to start. Ask your financial advisory for help in finding the ideal account to store your funds. Learning more helps you prepare for those unexpected rainy spells.

 

This article is brought to you by CIMB as part of our ongoing efforts to raise the level of financial literacy among Malaysians. Financial knowledge and understanding are key to making well-informed and meaningful financial decisions that will improve all our well-being. This, in turn, achieves CIMB’s purpose of advancing customers and society.