Do you have a fund set aside for emergencies? Experts recommend keeping at least three months expenses in a reliable, liquid account. But finding that money isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve put together this 4-step plan on how to save $1,000 in 10 months:

Get Started with These 4 Steps

• Find a Safe Place to Save Your Money – Save your money in an account that you can access easily in case of an emergency. Choose a traditional savings account or a short-term certificate-of-deposit (CD) Consider opening a new account or sub-account for this money so you’re not tempted to spend it. Most importantly, do not keep savings in a checking account, which pays no or low interest and is too easy for you to access.
• Save $100 a month – If you are not already saving $100 each month, you need to either earn $100 more a month or cut back in order to find that $100 to save. America Saves has a list of 54 ways to save money to get you started. It can also help to pay yourself first and save the $100 at the beginning of the month instead of waiting to see if you have money left over to save at the end of the month.
• Automate Your Savings – Once you set it up, then it happens without having to think about it. If you are working, ask your employer to deduct money from your paycheck and transfer it to a savings account each pay period. Your bank or credit union can also automatically transfer money from your checking account to a savings account every month. Talk to your local bank or credit union to set this up.
• Watch Your Savings Grow for 10 Months – The final step is to sit back and watch your savings grow. Before you know it you will have that $1,000. They key is not to touch the money unless you have an emergency – that’s what the money is there for after all.

Once you have at least $1,000 in your emergency account, continue your savings success and continue to build your emergency savings or apply that money to a new savings goal. This will help if you have debt you need to pay down or want to save for the future. No matter what you are saving for, America Saves can support you with tips and advice through emails and text messages. Sign up for these by taking the America Saves Pledge Today.

This article is from Katie Bryan at America Saves, managed by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA), which seeks to motivate, encourage, and support low- to moderate-income households to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Learn more at americasaves.org.