I have my emergency fund designated for specific purposes. I use the envelope method of budgeting for my checking account, and I use that principle with my emergency fund as well. Basically, I have $X designated for car savings, $Y designated for medical emergencies, and $Z for a future vacation. Those are my future savings categories, and by labeling it for a specific purpose, I'm more likely to not touch it.
Should a real emergency arise, I can take from those savings envelopes pretty easily without much regret (although I'd be pretty sad to not get my future vacation, but still.. it's better than going in debt again).
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