Last Updated: 1 January 2003
Important information - This article isn't personal advice. If you're not sure if a course of action is right for you, ask for financial advice.
Truth is - money can make or break your life.
And having an emergency fund is an essential part of any sound financial plan. Broken boiler? Emergency fund. Car failed its MOT? Emergency fund. Unplanned career break? Emergency fund.
This stash of three to six months of your average monthly spending can help cover you when life gets in the way.
So where does the YES fund come in?
The freedom fund (FF), or the YES fund as we like to call it, is completely different to your emergency fund.
It’s a fund for your financial independence. Something that will have a positive impact on your life, on your terms, without needing to ask for permission.
Yes, it gives you the power to break away from a negative part of your life.
But it also lets you say YES to something that you want to do. Take your mum to afternoon tea, YES. Donate to your favourite charity, YES. Treat yourself to some new workout gear, YES.
All those times you stopped to consider what ABC would say. Gone.
There’s no magic number on how much to save. Think of it like this. Every penny you save goes towards you, your financial independence, and your empowerment. As you build up your YES fund, you'll take back control of your finances. And you can live your life on your terms.
Should all women have a YES fund?
Yes. In fact, everyone should have one, because everyone deserves the right to financial independence.
Here are four tips to get started
1. Don’t ask for permission
It’s your money, it stays in your name. You don’t have to ask for permission. Make that bank account for your sole access, so you can stay in control.
2. Easy access is key
Keep your YES fund in an easily accessible account that you can quickly and easily access if needed. Ideally this shouldn’t be in a long fixed-term savings account and you might not want to invest this either.
3. Get the best rate you can
Hunt down a high-yield savings account, where you can earn a competitive interest rate. Again, remember, this should be easily accessible.
4. Start early
It’s not always easy to save. It can be impossible when you’re not working. So, start early - when you’re independent.
Set small, achievable goals. Perhaps focus on your first £200 or £500, and then gradually work your way up to a larger target. As you hit each milestone, take a moment to celebrate your progress.
In time, you'll be well on your way to Financial Freedom.
Join the Financially Fearless mailing list
Financially Fearless is the first step in empowering women to improve their financial health and wealth. Take your first step today and sign up for weekly emails packed full of expert content using the form below. Or if you’re on Instagram follow us @FinanciallyFearless_hl.
Please correct the following errors before you continue:
Hargreaves Lansdown PLC group companies will usually send you further information by post and/or email about our products and services. If you would prefer not to receive this, please do let us know. We will not sell or trade your personal data.
