How to start saving even if you're starting from scratch

The thought of saving money may feel overwhelming, especially if you have nothing saved and struggle to afford necessities like rent and groceries.

- Karen Bennett, Tribune News Service

If you don't have a healthy emergency fund, you're not alone. In fact, only 30% of Americans would pay a $1,000 emergency expense from savings, a recent Bankrate survey found. Other survey respondents said they'd go into debt to afford such an expense through credit cards or personal loans. Saving certainly isn't easy and we won't pretend it is — but here are some practical steps you can take to get started.