Am I Saving Enough Money?
Let’s Talk About Your “Oh No” Fund
We’ve all been there. The car makes a weird noise, your AC quits in August, or your dog decides your favorite shoes are a chew toy. Life throws curveballs — which is why you need an emergency fund (aka your “Oh No” money).
So, how much should you save? Here’s Andi's no-fluff answer: Start with $1,000 you can get to fast.
Once you’ve got that, the bigger goal is three months’ worth of expenses. Sounds like a lot? Don’t panic. We’re going to break it down into snack-sized steps.
Step 1: Pay Your Savings Like It’s a Bill
If you wait until you “remember” to transfer money to savings… spoiler: it probably won’t happen. Set up automatic transfers so your savings grows without you even thinking about it.
Step 2: Say “No” (Sometimes)
In Louisiana, there’s always a festival, crawfish boil, or happy hour. But if you’re living paycheck to paycheck, skipping just one or two outings a month can put real cash back in your pocket.
Before you RSVP, add up the tickets, food, gas, drinks — then ask yourself: “Would I rather have this in my savings account?” Sometimes the answer’s yes.
Step 3: Cut Stuff You Won’t Miss
Go through your bank statements like a detective. Cancel anything you’re not using — streaming services, app subscriptions, gym memberships you “forgot” about. You might be surprised at what’s quietly eating your budget.
Step 4: Make Extra Money Without Hating Life
Side hustles aren’t just for TikTok influencers. Try:
- Selling your crafts at a market
- Freelance writing or editing
- Decluttering and selling stuff you don’t need
- Offering a service you’re good at (party decorating, photography, pet sitting)
Even a little extra income speeds up your savings goal.
Step 5: Don’t Let Debt Hold You Back
Debt is like a leaky bucket — your money keeps slipping away. If you’ve got balances, try the Snowball Method (smallest first) or the Avalanche Method (highest interest first) to free up cash faster.
Step 6: Be the CFO of You
Know what’s coming in, what’s going out, and when. Set reminders for bills, check your accounts, and keep tabs on your goals. It’s your money — you’re the boss.
Bottom line:
Saving money is like a crawfish boil — it takes patience, a good plan, and a little spice. Start with $1,000, keep adding, and soon you’ll have three months’ worth of “Oh No” money.
Andi’s here to make it simple, automatic, and totally doable. Ready to get started? Download the Andi app and open your Andi Save account today.