When money is tight, the first emergency fund goal should be small and real. A starter buffer of a few hundred dollars is enough to handle a flat tire, copay, or other nuisance without putting it on a card.
Automate tiny transfers from every paycheck and keep the money separate from checking. The habit matters more than the size at first.
Once the starter cushion exists, build from there in steps. The point is to stop every surprise from becoming a crisis.
Sources
This is general information, not professional financial advice. For decisions about your situation, talk to a qualified professional.
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