You never know what can happen, right? You can run into car trouble, a crashed computer or even unexpected health issues. No matter what happens, you should be prepared financially to handle the unexpected costs that might come your way.

To do this, you should build an emergency fund. An emergency fund will offer peace of mind and give you a bit of a safety net. Here’s how to get started:

Build your emergency fund based on your income. When you receive your monthly or weekly paycheck, allot a separate, predetermined amount for savings, spending and for your emergency fund. Although you might take your time building this fund and it might start quite small, the point is, it will be there when you need it.

Don’t ever tap into the account until you absolutely need it. If you are thinking about dipping into the funds, think about the potential emergencies that could arise; hopefully, this will curb your urge.

If something does happen, calculate the costs and be ready to use the funds. Although you might feel a little guilty about spending the money you worked so hard to save, remember it is there specifically for emergencies and was created to help cushion your pocket when these things happen.

An emergency fund is a great thing to have and allows you to be ready for the worst. And think about it – if you never have to use the money, it is there as additional savings and will make you feel more comfortable about your financial status.