A little padding is welcome when unexpected expenses come up.
Find a side gig.
It's easy to slack off on the hunt if you know a paycheck is coming. But a little extra in a savings account can mean the difference between a low balance and financial disaster. Even if you're a meticulous budgeter, a car breakdown or emergency surgery can screw you over. So be proactive about picking up extra cash—do odd jobs, pick up a weekend bartending shift, babysit. Today, I made a list of a few freelance pieces I wanted to write, and followed up with a professor who had mentioned she wanted to bring me to her college. You never know when you'll get an unwelcome bill.
\nPhoto via (cc) Flickr user photologue_np