Building an emergency fund is one of the smartest financial moves you can make to start the year strong. A solid cash cushion helps protect you from unexpected expenses and keeps short-term surprises from turning into long-term financial problems.

March offers a perfect reset: use this month’s financial guide to “spring clean” your finances—review your budget, track spending, consolidate accounts, check your credit report, and negotiate bills. Also, start or grow your emergency fund by automating savings, exploring high-yield accounts, and cutting discretionary costs. Small actions now build resilience for whatever comes next.

With income uncertainties and spending changes brought on by COVID-19, it’s crucial to adapt your budget. These five tips—building an emergency fund, using a 50/30/20 spending rule, managing credit card debt, exploring loan relief programs, and refinancing your mortgage—can help you gain financial stability in uncertain times.