Give the Gift of #FinancialPeace with @CapitalOne360 Black Friday {#CleverGirls}

Do you have an emergency savings fund?

I'll be honest, we haven't always, and I always worried about what we would do if something were to go wrong- an issue in my husband's pay, car troubles, unforeseen travel expenses- there were so many things that could easily break us. Over the past few years, we really decided to do everything we could to put money back...and boy was I glad we did!

As most of you know, my husband got out of the military at the end of September rather unexpectedly. With no job lined up and the typical delay in final pay, we really could have been in trouble...especially with our rent due just one day later! While we by no meand had a hefty savings, we at least had managed to save enough that we were able to pay our bills, put food on the table and stress a little less during that waiting period. In that moment, I could not have been happier to have had that emergency fund!

Want to start your own? Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

• Set a schedule. For us, we decided to move a set amount over to our savings with each paycheck (twice a month). If your budget is a little tighter, perhaps once a month would be a better fit. If possible, set up an automatic transfer so they money goes over as soon as you're paid and you won't miss it!
• Pay what you can. Whether it's $200, $75, or even $25...do what fits into YOUR budget! Of course the more you can put back the better, but only you know what makes sense for you. 
• Extra, unexpected cash? Save it! Perhaps you got a bonus at work, sold some old items at a yard sale...or even won a little extra cash...if you have money coming in that you weren't expecting and budgeting for, you'll never miss it!
• Cut back on unnecessary spending. For many of us, if we really looked at our spending habits, there are probably a few places we could cut back...perhaps eating out less, cutting back on expensive coffees, etc. You don't have to eliminate ALL your splurges, but if you can find an area or two to cut back, this extra bit you are saving can be a great starting point for your emergency fund!
• Out of sight, out of mind. I have found in our household, if we know the money is there, the temptation to spend it is there as well...so once you start saving, TRY not to pay too much attention to the amount in your account. If you need it, it's there, but try not to use it unless it's truly an emergency!!

Starting an emergency fund when you're already on a tight budget can seem like an impossibility, but the first step is deciding to do so...once you start it will become second nature and trust me when I say you will always be glad to have it!

At this time of the year, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and lose sight of these financial goals we've set. But this holiday, Capital One 360 wants to encourage you to stay on track and is decking the halls with deals you can bank on, including new account bonuses, referral bonuses and closing cost credits! Let's take a look at some of these great deals:

All of these great Black Friday deals were designed to encourage all of us to remember to keep our finances as a priority during this busy holiday season. So, now that the Thanksgiving festivities are over, give yourself the gift of financial peace of mind by adding Capital One 360's Black Friday Sale to your shopping list! There truly is no better time to start saving!!

Once you've taken the steps towards financial peace of mind for yourself, encourage your friends to do the same! If they sign up, you may be eligible for a $40 referral bonus...a great start towards that emergency fund!!

Do you have any tips for building up your emergency fund? What Capital One 360 Black Friday deal will help YOU achieve your financial goals?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.