Step 3: Build Your Emergency Fund (Yes, Before Investing)

Listen up—skipping this step is like building a mansion on quicksand. That "hot stock tip" ain't gonna matter when your car breaks down and you're stuck swiping credit cards again. Life will throw curveballs (job loss, medical crap, busted appliances), and your emergency fund is what keeps you from backsliding into debt.

Here's the game plan:

1. Start small but start now: Even $500 buys breathing room.

2. Aim for 3-6 months' expenses: Stash it in a high-yield savings account (not your checking—too easy to raid).

3. Treat it like a bill: Automate transfers right after payday.

No, it ain't sexy. Yes, it beats begging relatives for cash at 2 AM. And no, "I'll do it later" ain't a strategy—future you will high-five present you when shit hits the fan.

Pro tip: Label the account "DO NOT TOUCH" and forget it exists... until you really need it.