How to Save Your First $2K Emergency Fund (Even If You Live Paycheck to Paycheck)

Heather Newman
Jul 11
3 min read

If you’ve ever said, “I just want to feel like I have a little breathing room with my money” — this one’s for you.

Truth is: most people never learned how to actually save money.Not in school. Not from their parents. Not without shame, stress, or confusion.

But having a financial cushion — your first $2,000 emergency fund — can completely change how you carry yourself, how you plan ahead, and how you show up in your everyday life.

It’s the foundation of financial freedom.

That’s why I created a new $1 guide:

👉 On My Way to Save $2K

It’s designed to help you finally do the thing.

No fluff.

No guilt.

Just 8 doable steps.

What’s inside the $2K Guide?

🖤 A printable checklist broken down into 8 clear actions

🖤 A 2-page dot tracker (each dot = $10 saved)

🖤 Links to my most-used budget + envelope planners

🖤 Bonus tips inspired by Dave Ramsey

🖤 Real talk about what’s eating your budget: subscriptions, Amazon, and mindless swipes

\This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress.

Because structure is self-respect™.

And saving your first $2K? That’s a big deal — especially if you’re used to starting from zero every month.

Why start with $2,000 instead of $1,000?

Dave Ramsey suggests $1K for emergencies.

And I respect that.

But let’s be real… in today’s world, $1K doesn’t even cover a car repair and a co-pay.

I recommend a goal of $2,000 — because it stretches you. It teaches discipline. And most importantly:

it builds belief in yourself.

You’re not “bad with money.”

You just never had the right system.

Here’s your first step:

Download the guide → Get it here for $1
Print it or keep it digital — your choice
Follow the 8 steps and start filling in your tracker

Let’s build your freedom fund together.

Your future self will thank you

xx, heather

🎧 Listen to the Fit Finances series on the #GetUnstuckPodcast

📎 Find all the tools at glitteru.com/theshop

🖤 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a freebie!

GRAB MY ON MY WAY TO 2K TRACKER HERE

ON MY WAY TO SAVE $2K

GlitterU Fit Finances™ (FREE COPY AND PASTE VERSION HERE)

Series by Heather Newman | glitteru.com

This is your Beginner’s Guide to saving $2,000 — even if you live paycheck to paycheck. Inspired by the Dave Ramsey method (but updated for women today), this packet focuses on

Baby Step 1: building your emergency fund.

36% of Americans don’t have even $100 saved.This guide exists to change that.

We’ll cover just the first 2 of Dave’s steps so you’re not overwhelmed:

Save $1,000 (I say $2,000) emergency fund
Pay off debt using the snowball method (coming soon!)

But for now… we’re focused on BABYSTEP 1.

This packet includes:

A clear breakdown of 8 action steps
Budget + envelope planner links
A printable tracker with check-off bubbles
Tools that work (not just theory)

STEP 1: DO YOUR BUDGET

You need to see exactly where your money is going.

Grab this tool:👉 glitteru.com/product-page/the-fit-finances-monthly-budget-sheet

STEP 2: NO SPEND / NO SHOP CHALLENGE

No nails, no lunch out, no Amazon. That adds up FAST.New Mantra: “That’s not in my budget.”Challenge Duration: ________ to ________

STEP 3: PAUSE SUBSCRIPTIONS

Don’t skip this. Pause these:

Netflix
Amazon Prime
Chewy
Spotify
Canva
BarkBox
Lash/Nail/Beauty Apps

Pull a bank statement.

Look at Amazon subscriptions tab.

👉 Use RocketMoney (free) to help find all subs.

STEP 4: MEAL PLAN

Your waistline + your wallet will thank you.

List your total food expenses for:

Grocery store: $________
Eating out: $________
DoorDash/Uber Eats: $________

Then plan 7 days of simple meals and snacks.

STEP 5: LOWER YOUR BILLS

Pick 2–3 to tackle this week:

Call cable/internet to negotiate
Check for lower insurance plans
Pest control DIY
Lower thermostat
Minimize fuel errands
Refinance credit card interest

STEP 6: SELL UNUSED ITEMS

Scan your house. List on:

FB Marketplace
Poshmark / eBay
Consignment shops
GlitterU Swap Group

What you don’t use could become your first $500!

STEP 7: SIDE JOBS = MORE CASH

You have a marketable skill. Some ideas:

Babysitting
Freelance online
Teach something (Zoom or in person)
Pet sitting
Sell digital downloads

Even $40/week = $160/month.

STEP 8: TRACK SPENDING

Use the envelope system or jar method.

👉 glitteru.com/product-page/the-fit-finances-cash-envelope-planner

Visual savings makes it real.

EMERGENCY FUND SAVINGS TRACKER

Color in each circle as you save $10.

2 full pages = $2,000 goal (100 dots per page).

(Page 1: $1,000 | Page 2: $1,000)

This might not cover every emergency.

But it’s better than nothing.

What you’re building isn’t just money—you’re building discipline.

Comfort got you here.Structure will get you out.

You’re on your way to $2K.

structure is self-respect™