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No one will argue the importance of having an emergency fund but you would be surprised at how many families don� �t have one, relying instead on the old standard credit card. How dangerous is that? For most Americans all it would take is one missed paycheck to push them over the edge. Here are 10 simple ways to start building that � �nest egg� � emergency fund now.

As you read this you may think of others that you can use. Or, you may argue that little things (like pocket change in #4) wouldn� �t build very quickly. And that� �s true. But that combined with the others will add up fast, and the most important thing is to do something, be prepared � � and stay out of debt.

1. Start saving something today
· It� �s not the amount that matters but the discipline of doing it. Even on a tight budget a small amount adds up before you know it. Depending on the size of your family, skipping one meal out per week and putting that amount into a savings account could equal $150 or more per month.
2. Treat saving as a bill
· Consider having a set amount transferred automatically from your checking account to your savings each week. If you do your banking online you can transfer it yourself. But it� �s important that you discipline yourself that once it� �s in savings it stays in savings.
3. Open a Christmas Club Account where you bank
· When our kids were little we did this. It was a tremendous help at Christmas when money always seemed to be in short supply.
4. Empty your pockets or purse every night into a jar on your dresser
· I� �ve used this for years and I don� �t miss the change. In a few months I� �d saved up about $300! This is great for family trips to theme parks, etc. If everyone contributes their spare cash each night you can quickly save enough money for a day-trip for the family to somewhere fun.
5. Get cash back from the market when you use your debit card
· When you pay for your groceries take out $5 in quarters and put it in the jar. Back when I was an � �apartment dweller� � I had to use quarters for laundry. So instead of getting one roll I� �d buy two and put all the coins in my jar. Then I� �d only use the quarters as I needed them for laundry and keep the rest for saving up! Believe me, you don� �t miss it. You do however have to fight temptation to raid the jar. Be strong and don� �t give in. You will be glad you did!
6. You just paid off a big debt like a car loan
· Keep making those payments, this time to yourself. That will really add up fast.
7. Getting a big tax refund?
· Put as much of the money into savings the minute it arrives! Before temptation gets the better of you.
8. Give up cigarettes � � or even cut your habit in half
· Don� �t say you can� �t do it. Be disciplined, you will be glad you did and so will your family. If you are fond of beer, the same holds true. Just put what you are not spending into savings. If you are a smoker you know the cost and how much you can save � � and don� �t fall for that old LIE that you can� �t do it.
9. Buy U.S. Savings Bonds
· Bonds yield more interest than the money earns either in the jar or most regular savings. They are easy to buy and a great way keep yourself from the temptation of taking the money out for other things
10. Involve the whole family in saving<
· Plan a treat for the family when you reach your goal. Make the treat something everyone will enjoy. That way they won� �t think of it a burden to continue saving. AND you� �ll be giving your children some great tools for their future as well.