Money Club: Emergency Funds & Safety Nets

Unexpected expenses happen. That’s why for this month’s Money Club, the goal isn’t perfection.

It’s resilience.

We’ll explore simple, realistic ways to build a buffer so surprises don’t become crises. You’ll leave knowing what “enough” can look like for you and how to start without overwhelm.

For context: Bankrate reports that many Americans lack meaningful emergency savings, including about a quarter reporting no emergency savings at all.

Anyone living close to the edge financially.

People rebuilding after a hard year.

Business owners with inconsistent income.

People who want fear-based urgency.

Anyone expecting personalized savings targets.

Anyone who believes “small savings don’t matter.”

Emergency fund calculator (multiple income levels)

Safety net menu (emergency fund, sinking funds, buffers)

“Start where you are” savings plan

You’ll leave able to:

Define a realistic emergency goal

Understand multiple safety nets

Begin building protection without overwhelm

Space is limited to eight (8) participants only. Save your spot today.

Kristen Winter is a financial educator, speaker, and WealthWave team leader who specializes in making financial concepts accessible and inspiring. With a background in entrepreneurship and deep insight into how personal finance works, she empowers individuals, especially women and small business owners, to take control of their financial futures. She believes in rising together through knowledge and action.

Malee Ojua is the founder and CEO of Sacred Fire Creative, an award-winning digital marketing agency based in Portland. A passionate advocate for community and the small businesses that power it, she facilitates and supports initiatives that nurture innovation within the local entrepreneurial landscape. She helps founders and small business owners find their authentic voice and use it to create powerful brand stories that resonate with their audiences.

Catherine Summers is a principal broker at Bella Casa Property Management. A passionate community builder, she actively gives back by supporting initiatives that empower local businesses in McMinnville and in the greater Mid-Willamette Valley area. With 18 years of experience in real estate, she believes that investing in property can become a catalyst for transformative wealth.

Bella Casa Real Estate Group is a professional co-op of Oregon realtors rooted in the Pacific Northwest, serving buyers and sellers across SW Portland, Oregon Wine Country, and the Willamette Valley. With offices in McMinnville, Newberg, and Silverton, they pair local market insight with strong sales, marketing, and negotiation expertise, guiding clients all the way to closing. Independent by design, they focus on next-generation service and a truly personal, local experience.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Sacred Fire Creative