Do you often wonder why an emergency fund is important? Is this a necessity or a matter of choice?
Setting money aside is one of the most significant aspects of your financial plan. When you're faced with an issue, you need the peace of mind that you have access to cash that you can use. Here are some three top reasons why an emergency fund is important.
Health Issues
You could be faced with a medical condition that prevents you from working each day. What happens when you've exhausted all your sick pay? When you're too sick to work, you can rely on your emergency fund to manage your medical expenses and other personal expenses that you have to cover.
Unexpected Job Loss
Are you single with only one source of income? If you only have one job, you need the confidence of having access to money that you will need when you're no longer employed. Try to save enough money that covers at least one year's worth of expenses.
Unexpected Home Repairs
At some point, you might have to deal with unexpected home repairs. If you're a homeowner, you have the important duty to pay for the costs of all the home repairs. These may consist of heating and air conditioning repairs, water damages, electrical issues, roof repairs, plumbing repairs, and a host of other problems. It is less stressful when you have an emergency fund to manage the costs for the repairs that you need to make your home more comfortable and functional.
Key Takeaway
One major rule for you to keep in mind is to always build an emergency fund before an emergency occurs. With a sound financial plan, you will have fewer worries when you're faced with a financial issue.