Marine readiness isn’t just physical—it requires financial agility too. Part of being mission-ready is building an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses like car repairs, sudden travel, or household emergencies.
Start small by saving $500–$1,000, which lays a foundation. From there, aim for a long-term emergency fund covering three to six months of essential living expenses. This financial cushion can reduce reliance on high-interest credit, especially with average new credit card rates exceeding 24 percent as of July 2025.
Financial discipline is key—track income and expenses, adopt a budget, and automate savings transfers through MyPay. Replenish your fund promptly after each use to maintain readiness.
Support is available:
A PFMP manager provides free financial education on budgeting, debt management, and more. Take action today to build financial readiness that keeps you mission-ready at home and beyond.