F*** You Funds: Why Everyone Needs One

Two years ago this week, I quit my job despite literally everyone telling me "Make sure you have something else lined up first!". It made zero sense. I'd worked my way up in corporate banking, had the title and was compensated very well for it. Yet I was DEEPLY unhappy. 

What gave me the confidence to make the leap? My F*** You fund. 

A F*** You fund is a savings account that lets you bail on situations you'd just love to scream "F*** You" at. It’s pure freedom in the form of a bank balance: a ticket out of those “stuck” situations we often endure for way too long.

Have you ever had a job or a boss you dreaded reporting to? A roommate who drove you nuts? A landlord who made all of the promises when you moved in but doesn't follow through? A partner who treats you poorly? Maybe you've stayed because its' familiar, feels safe, or - let's face it - pays the bills. I get it. That was me too. But sticking around too long can take a bigger toll than we realize.

I ignored my own warning signs for years - something I'm still paying for, honestly. Having a F*** You fund gave us a lifeline when I finally took the sabbatical I desperately needed. It afforded me a sense of freedom in my life decisions, which led to improved mental and physical well-being. 

There is no secret to starting a F*** You fund, though the goal is to treat it as strictly off-limits for regular spending. This is your escape fund, period. 

Tips for building your F*** You fund:

• Spot areas to trim spending and funnel the extra into your stash - bonuses, side gigs, surprise windfalls, all of it counts.
• Use a high-yield savings account so your money grows (and stays accessible).
• Try to save at least 3-6 months of take-home pay.
• Make your progress visible - a savings tracker on the fridge can really keep you motivated.
• Set up auto-transfers to an outside bank account to keep that money out of sight (and out of temptation).
• Still not inspired? Think about the last time you felt trapped and harness that frustration as fuel to save a little more.

Start your F*** You fund with intention. Over time, it’ll become a safety net that empowers you to choose your well-being, no matter what life throws your way.