Do you have enough to survive a startup?

It’s exciting to dive into a new business. But there’s one thing most startups forget: to have a cushion.

I know you know that building up an emergency fund is important, but how many of you really have done it.

After all, when you’re bootstrapping a business, it’s hard to scrape a few more pennies in to the rainy day piggy bank.

Here are some ideas to help:

1) Start small. Even a few dollars a week can add up. I round up all my bills, and put the change into the saving account.

2) Reduce an expense and using the savings to fund the cushion. I use a ton of paper in my business (for proofing, etc.) But what I do now is try to use both sides when possible. That saves me a pack of paper (more or less) every time I buy one. So the savings also get put into the emergency fund.

3) Treat it as a bill. Add your emergency fund contribution to your list of bills, and pay it at the same time.