Jill Cornfield at Bankrate.com says the most common surprise expenses are related to vehicles, appliances, home-repairs, injury or illness. Unfortunately, nearly 6 in 10 Americans don’t have enough savings to cover an unexpected bill of $500.
This is a problem across our nation. When people pay with a credit card, the original expense can grow monumentally if not paid off at the end of the month due to high interest rates. Some turn to friends or family for help with the hope of paying them back. Others cut expenses in order to pay the bill.

An emergency fund is essential. If you have a car, children, pets, or a home it is inevitable that you will face some unpredictable expense this year. But with some money in the bank you can face it stress-free.

Paul Golden, a spokesman for the National Endowment for Financial Education in Dallas, stated that having $500 in savings improves one’s psychological wellbeing. It shows people they can achieve a goal. And, helps them aim for the next one.

So, get out of your comfort zone and set a date to achieve your goal. You can do it!

Consider fasting from something you spend money on, like desserts, sodas, restaurants, or movies and put that money in an emergency account. Sell something. Take on a part-time job.

Finally, and most importantly, seek the Lord. In Philippians 4:6-7 the Apostle Paul said, ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”