How to Use An Emergency Fund Tracker
If you’ve just downloaded the She’s Worth It Emergency Fund Tracker - yay! You’ve taken the first step toward building your financial safety net.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably downloaded dozens of free templates over the years... and never opened half of them again. So let’s make this one different. This blog will walk you through exactly how to use your tracker, and how to keep the momentum going even when money is tight or motivation dips.
🟣 First, print it or save it somewhere you’ll actually use it
The tracker is designed to be flexible. You can print it out and fill it in by hand.
Wherever you keep it, make sure it’s visible. This isn’t a worksheet to hide away in your downloads folder. Tape it to the fridge, keep it in your wallet or journal - wherever works best for you.
🟣 Fill in the top section
You’ll see four boxes at the top of the tracker:
Saving For: Write “Emergency Fund” here—or give it a name that feels more personal to you. Maybe it’s “Peace of Mind” or “My Get-Out Fund.” Call it whatever makes you want to protect and grow it.
Start Date: Write today’s date, or whenever you’re beginning your savings journey.
Goal Date: Be realistic and kind to yourself. Choose a date that gives you a stretch but not stress. If you’re starting from scratch, maybe aim for three to six months (if you’re doing the one month Emergency Fund challenge, adjust this date accordingly).
Amount: Choose a savings goal that feels doable. This could be $250, $500, $1,000—or more if you’re further along. For many women, especially those recovering from financial abuse or starting over, even $100 is a powerful beginning.
🟣 Track your progress—your way
There are 40 blank circles on the tracker. You can use them however you like:
If your goal is $1,000, each circle is worth $25.
If your goal is $500, each circle is worth $12.50.
If your goal is $250, each circle is worth $6.25.
Or whenever you have any amount to save, write that specific number in the blank.
Each time you save an amount, colour in or tick off a circle. You’ll be amazed how motivating it feels to see those circles fill up, especially when life throws a curveball and you’re tempted to dip into your savings.
🟣 Make it fun and meaningful
Saving money isn’t just about discipline, it’s about freedom. Every dollar you save is a small act of reclaiming your power. So celebrate your progress. Share your wins. Get your kids involved. Use stickers, colours, or quotes that inspire you.
And if you fall off track or have to dip into your fund for a genuine emergency? That’s what it’s there for. Celebrate that you had it in the first place, and just keep going.
🟣 Remember: small steps, big change
You don’t need to save hundreds at a time. Even $5 or $10 adds up over time, especially when it becomes a habit. Use the weekly prompts in our Emergency Fund Challenge (or your own weekly check-in) to remind yourself to keep going.
And most importantly? Be proud of yourself. You’re not “just saving money”, you’re building resilience, reclaiming control, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.
You’ve got this.
