Baby Step # 3

I never realized that skipping an emergency fund 💸🛑 could still leave you feeling like you’re chasing every paycheck 🏃‍♂️💨. I’ve experienced it firsthand.

You probably know that I started investing through time deposits/MP2. On paper, it felt like the smart move—I was putting money aside and thinking about compounding interest. But deep down, I knew I couldn’t touch that money for at least five years. Even with investments growing in the background, I was still living paycheck to paycheck, never feeling fully secure about my immediate needs.

✅Check out related post Why Emergency Funds Matter to Me 

Then I started my emergency fund, following Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps. After paying off my debts in Baby Step #2, moving to Baby Step #3 completely changed my mindset. Just knowing that I could cover one month of expenses without stress gave me an incredible sense of relief 🏠.

This “gap fund” isn’t just money set aside—it’s a psychological boost. Suddenly, I feel rich, not because of what I’ve invested for the future, but because of the control and security I have in the present 💖. It’s amazing how having accessible, liquid funds can change your relationship with money, reduce stress, and give you confidence to make decisions without fear.

I now see that an emergency fund isn’t just a step in a financial plan—it’s a foundation. Investments will always be important, but the freedom that comes from knowing you can cover your essential expenses without any problem is amazing. For me, starting this fund has been a small action with a huge psychological payoff, and it’s made all the difference in how I experience my finances.

That is it for now. Thanks for reading all the way.