An emergency fund is a financial buffer that covers unexpected expenses — like car repairs, medical bills, or job loss — without relying on credit cards.
Life is unpredictable. An emergency fund helps you avoid debt, gives peace of mind, and increases your financial independence.
Start with a goal of $500 to $1,000. Then work toward 3 to 6 months of essential living expenses.
Keep it in a high-yield savings account — easily accessible but separate from your everyday spending money.
Historically, the stock market has delivered strong returns over the long term. While there are short-term ups and downs, the average annual return of the S&P 500 (a benchmark of the U.S. stock market) has been around 7–10% after inflation.
By investing, your money has the opportunity to grow significantly more than it would in a savings account — especially when you reinvest dividends and stay consistent.
Inflation reduces the value of your money over time. If your savings aren’t growing faster than the inflation rate, you’re actually losing purchasing power. Stock investments, particularly over the long term, tend to outpace inflation and preserve your wealth.
When you invest, the profits you earn can be reinvested — and then those profits can also earn returns. This is the power of compounding, and it’s one of the most effective ways to build wealth, especially when you start early.
Some stocks pay dividends — regular payments to shareholders. Over time, with the right portfolio, you can build a steady stream of passive income from these dividends, which can supplement your salary or even support you in retirement.
Investing in the stock market is a great way to diversify beyond your savings account, real estate, or retirement plan. A well-balanced investment portfolio spreads out risk and increases your potential for reward.
