Most financial emergencies aren't huge. A $500 car repair or a surprise dentist bill probably won't bankrupt you.

And because these minor emergencies are the most common, they're also the ones that cause the most day-to-day stress.

The good news? You don't need a ton of money in the bank to start feeling better. A new Vanguard study found that having just $2,000 in emergency savings can boost your financial well-being by 21%. This means feeling more secure, less stressed, and having more financial freedom to enjoy life.

$2,000 is enough to handle the most common curveballs life throws at you.

Benefits of hitting $2,000 in savings

Here are more fun facts from Vanguard's research. Households with at least $2,000 in emergency savings:

• Experience 21% higher financial well-being, regardless of income and debt levels.
• Spend half as much time dealing with finances each week
• Are 3x less likely to report rising financial stress year over year
• Feel more focused at work, losing 75% less time to financial distractions

$2,000 won't solve every problem -- but it covers a lot. It turns a flat tire into a minor hassle, not a full-blown panic.

And most importantly, it gives you a solid foundation to build on -- especially when it's tucked away in the right savings account.

How to build your $2,000 emergency fund

Don't worry if $2,000 feels out of reach. You don't need to save it all at once -- the key is to start small and stay consistent. Here's a quick guide:

1. Open a separate savings account

A high-yield savings account (HYSA) is perfect here. This is what I use personally. Keeping savings in a completely separate bank means you won't be tempted to touch or spend it.

2. Automate small deposits

Set up a recurring transfer from your checking to your new savings account. Start small, like $50 per week. In about 10 months, you'll have $2,000 without thinking about it.

3. Boost it with windfalls

Throw any tax refund, work bonus, or birthday cash into the fund. Or if you can cut out any expenses during the month (like, skipping happy hour and saving $50 instead), funnel that into savings, too.

Once you reach the $2,000 mark, don't stop! The ultimate goal for emergency savings is three to six months' worth of living expenses. It may take years to build up to that, but the more you save, the more confident you'll feel.

Take the first step, today

Starting is the hardest part. But you'll feel immediately better once you do.

That first deposit might feel small, but it's proof you're serious about your future. And if you can put those savings on autopilot, you'll grow $2,000 before you know it.

To do this week: Open one of these top savings accounts, and transfer your first $50 into it. Congratulations on taking the first step!