When to use your emergency fund

The emergency fund is yours. But you have to protect it. Otherwise, it won’t be there when you need it. The acceptable uses of the fund include only real emergencies, such as:

  • expenses after a job loss or pay cut,
  • car accidents,
  • emergency home repairs,
  • unpredicted medical expenses,
  • unexpected essential travel.

And remember to replenish after the emergency.