Opinion

Everyone needs an emergency fund. Financial experts recommend it, and we’ve all experienced surprise expenses: a costly car repair, a broken water heater or unexpected medical bills. Despite our best intentions, building a financial cushion can feel impossible. After rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities and everyday expenses, it seems there’s nothing left to save.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Americans struggle to maintain emergency savings. But building those savings doesn’t necessarily require massive lifestyle changes or windfalls. With a strategic approach and realistic milestones, you can create the financial safety net you need.

I often watch runners in distance races at track meets finish well behind those they are running against.

Like many married couples, my wife and I have different temperature preferences. I prefer cooler — even cold — temperatures. My wife is hauling out her winter gear at 70 degrees. She is usually cold. I am usually hot.

She often grasps my hands and exclaims, “You are WARM!” I sometimes ask absentmindedly, “Do you find it hot in here?” She replies from her huddle of blankets, “What do you think?” We both grew up in northern climates, so I once asked, “What did you do in winter?”