i

Prepare for the unexpected

Life can throw us curveballs, and it pays to be prepared. A little planning now means it doesn't have to break your budget.

Why you should get prepared

We've all had it happen - a car breakdown, an appliance malfunction or a bill that's way bigger than normal. Whether you're on a tight budget or not, the extra few hundred (or thousand) dollars when you’re not prepared can derail all your financial plans.

Read on to find our tips for setting up an emergency fund, and how insurance can help.

Set up an emergency fund

An emergency fund is designed to be just that - a bank account you've put money into and only use 'in case of emergencies'. How much to put aside is different for everyone. Follow our steps to set up yours:

Work out what you need

Use our planner to work out how much you should be aiming to set aside for emergencies.

Rainy day savings planner

Set up a recurring transfer

Create an automated transfer so every pay day a little bit goes into your emergency account until you've hit your goal.

How to set up recurring payments

Hit your goal

Once you've hit your goal you can rest easy knowing you're prepared. Choose to keep adding to it, reward yourself or save towards another goal.

Set up a savings goal with Goal Planner

Insure the things that matter to you

It's a good idea to insure the things you value, like your home, contents, car, life, income and health. What you own can add up to a lot, that's why it's important to have the right level of cover and regularly check how much you actually need.

Cover your 'stuff'

It's wise to protect your home and personal belongings against things like accidental damage, fire and theft.

Home and contents insurance
Car insurance

Cover your lifestyle

Consider cover that kicks in if you were to lose your job, couldn’t work, or for your family if you pass away.

Life and income insurance
Health insurance

Other actions to build better financial wellbeing

Master your day to day

Organise your money and set a plan.

Get on top of debt

Find new ways to stay on top of debt.

Work towards your savings goals

Get saving savvy and grow your money.

Invest in your future

Build towards your retirement.

Read more about preparing for the unexpected

ASB MoneySpacePrepare for the unexpected