In Case of Emergency...
Pandemic. Recession. Long term illness. There is often something that comes up that has a major economic impact on a family. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks and unable to work for ten weeks, and I can tell you first hand the setback that happens to bill paying, credit scores, and sticking to a budget. That is what an emergency fund is for - to tide you over these unexpected situations. However, I was surprised to find that I found it difficult to spend from our emergency fund even though that is what it's there for. I happen to know that many do not have an emergency fund. I know this because of the number of people I help get one started. National statistics also support this fact as well. For most people, their emergencies are funded with a credit card swipe. Problem solved... for now. If the problem impacted income then, repaying the swipe gets even harder to do with the shark-like interest and fees they slap on for the convenience of the loan. Get a big mason jar and start t