Lucky 13 emergency savings strategies
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2. After paying off debt, keep paying yourself
Maybe your finances are tight due to a big car loan or credit card payments. Once you've paid off these debts, shift those payments to your emergency fund "bill," says Sharon Epperson, author of "The Big Payoff: 8 Steps Couples Can Take to Make the Most of their Money -- and Live Richly Ever After." Otherwise, she says, "You know you'll probably just spend it."

Because you're already used to living without the money, you can use the "extra" funds to build up an emergency buffer to keep yourself from getting into debt again.

3. Enforce 24-hour rule on impulse buys
Maybe splurging sounds like a good idea in the moment, but will you feel the same way the next morning? There aren't many things we truly can't live without and waiting 24 hours before making a purchase will help you avoid shopping hangover. Remember, getting slapped with the bill later is a real buzz kill.

4. Leave the credit cards at home
Spending surveys have found that people spend between 12 percent and 50 percent more when using a credit card versus cash. To see how much money you'll save by ditching the cards, Ruby Payne, an educator, researcher and author of "A Framework for Understanding Poverty," among other titles, recommends leaving your credit card at home. Then every time you don't make a purchase that you normally would have used a credit card for, note the amount. At the end of the month, tally your "potential" purchases to see how much you've saved; then pat yourself on the back for your virtuousness and shift that money to emergency savings.

5. Plan ahead, budget for fun
All work and no play is no way for anyone to live, so be realistic when planning your spending. To make your savings strategy work, you'll need to budget for fun. This will help keep you from going overboard when the fun-itch strikes.