When it comes to your finances, it’s important to have a solid emergency fund in place. This will help you cover unexpected costs in the event of an emergency. But what is the best way to structure your emergency fund? Should you have a savings account or a separate emergency fund account? In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of both options and help you decide which is best for you.

What is in an emergency fund?

An emergency fund is a savings account that is used to cover unexpected costs in the event of an emergency. This could include medical bills, car repairs, or home repairs. The key is to have enough money saved up so that you can cover these unexpected costs without going into debt.

What do you mean by savings?

A savings account is a bank account where you can deposit money and earn interest on it. This is different from a checking account, which is used for everyday expenses. A savings account can be used for emergency expenses, but it is not earmarked specifically for this purpose.

Pros of an emergency fund

1 . Helps you cover unexpected costs in the event of an emergency

For many people, an emergency fund is an essential part of financial planning. An emergency fund can help you cover unexpected costs in the event of an accident or unplanned events, such as a job loss or medical emergency.

Having an emergency fund can give you peace of mind and help you avoid going into debt if an unexpected expense arises.

If you don’t have an emergency fund, start by setting aside a few dollars each week until you have saved up enough to cover a few months worth of expenses. Then, keep your emergency fund in a savings account so that it’s easily accessible if you need it.

2 . Prevents you from going into debt to pay for unexpected expenses

It provides a cushion of cash to cover unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs. Without an emergency fund, you may be forced to put these expenses on a credit card, incurring debt that can be difficult to repay.

An emergency fund can also help you avoid tapping into your long-term savings, which should be reserved for goals like retirement or college tuition. In short, an emergency fund is a vital tool for weathering financial storms. 

3 . Gives you peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for anything

An emergency fund is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. It gives you peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for anything life throws your way. Having an emergency fund also helps you avoid going into debt if an unexpected expense comes up.

4 . Can help you avoid using credit cards or taking out loans

An emergency fund can be a lifesaver when unexpected expenses arise. Without one, you may be tempted to use credit cards or take out loans to cover the cost, which can put you in a difficult financial situation.

An emergency fund gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you have the resources to cover unexpected expenses without going into debt. It can also help you avoid high-interest rates and fees associated with credit cards and loans. If you’re not sure how much to save, start with a small amount and gradually increase it as you’re able. 

5 . Can help you save money on interest payments

The concept of an emergency fund is simple enough: set aside a certain amount of money each month to cover unexpected expenses. However, many people don’t realize that an emergency fund can also save you money on interest payments.

If you have credit card debt, for example, you’re likely paying a high-interest rate. Having an emergency fund can help you pay off your debt more quickly since you won’t have to rely on credit to cover unexpected expenses.

In addition, an emergency fund can help you avoid late fees and other penalties if you’re ever unable to make a payment on time. While it may take some time to build up your emergency fund, the long-term savings can be well worth the effort.

Cons of an emergency fund

1 . Requires you to have extra money available that you may not need right away

An emergency fund requires you to have extra money available that you may not need right away. This can be difficult for some people, especially if they are living paycheck to paycheck. If you’re struggling to save money, start by setting aside a small amount each week or month. Once you have built up a cushion of cash, you can begin saving more aggressively.

2 . It may be not accessible in all emergency situations

While an emergency fund can give you peace of mind, it’s important to remember that it may not be accessible in all emergency situations. For example, if you lose your job or have a medical emergency, you may need to tap into other sources of funds to cover the costs.

Additionally, if you’re forced to evacuate your home due to a natural disaster, you may not be able to access your emergency fund right away. 

3 . If you have a large emergency fund, you may be missing out on opportunities to invest your money

If you have a large emergency fund, you may be missing out on opportunities to invest your money. While it’s important to have a cushion of cash to cover unexpected expenses, you don’t want to keep too much money in your emergency fund.

If you have the ability to invest your money, you could potentially earn a higher return than if it were sitting in a savings account.

4 . You may need to pay taxes on the interest earned on your emergency fund

This is something to keep in mind if you’re considering investing your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account or a short-term certificate of deposit. 

5 . An emergency fund can become a crutch and prevent you from taking steps to improve your financial situation

If you find that you’re relying on your emergency fund too often, it may be time to take a closer look at your finances. You may need to make some changes in order to free up more money each month. An emergency fund is a great tool to help you weather financial emergencies, but it’s not a cure-all for your finances. 

Pros of Savings

1 . Easy to access your money

One of the biggest advantages of savings is that it’s easy to access your money. Unlike an emergency fund, which is meant to be used for unexpected expenses, savings can be used for anything you want. You can use your savings to cover everyday expenses or splurge on a vacation. 

2 . Can be used for any purpose, not just emergency expenses

Another advantage of savings is that they can be used for any purpose, not just emergency expenses. If you have a specific goal in mind, such as buying a new car or saving for retirement, you can earmark your savings to help you reach your goal. 

3 . Earns interest on your deposited money

Savings accounts typically earn interest on your deposited money. This means that your savings will grow over time, which can be helpful if you’re trying to reach a long-term financial goal. 

4 . May offer higher interest rates than checking accounts

Savings accounts may offer higher interest rates than checking accounts. This can be beneficial if you’re looking to grow your savings quickly. 

5 . Federally insured up to $250,000

Savings accounts are federally insured for up to $250,000. This means that your money is safe in the event of a bank failure. 

Cons of Savings

1 . Limited to six withdrawals per month

One of the biggest disadvantages of savings is that you’re generally limited to six withdrawals per month. If you need to access your money more often than that, you may be charged fees. 

This can be problematic if you’re trying to use your savings to cover unexpected expenses. 

2 . Low-interest rates may not keep up with inflation

Another disadvantage of savings is that the interest rates may not keep up with inflation. This means that your money may lose value over time. 

If you’re looking to grow your savings, you may be better off investing your money in a higher-yielding investment. 

3 . Requires you to have extra money available that you may not need right away

One of the biggest disadvantages of savings is that it requires you to have extra money available that you may not need right away. This can be a problem if you’re trying to save for a long-term goal, such as retirement. 

4 . It may not be accessible in all emergency situations

Depending on the type of emergency fund you have, it may not be accessible in all emergency situations. For example, if you have a short-term emergency fund, it may not cover unexpected expenses that occur outside of your normal budget. 

If you’re looking for a true safety net, you may want to consider a longer-term emergency fund. 

5 . You may need to pay taxes on the interest earned on your savings account

Depending on the type of savings account you have, you may need to pay taxes on the interest earned. This can reduce the overall growth of your savings. 

Wrapping Up

At the end of the day, it’s important to have some savings for a rainy day. But if you want to be able to cover your bases in case something unexpected comes up, an emergency fund is probably a better bet. So, which is right for you? It depends on your unique circumstances. If you’re not sure what would work best for you, talk to a financial advisor and they can help steer you in the right direction. Thanks for reading!

FAQs

1 . Is savings the same as an emergency fund?

While both savings and emergency funds are important, they serve different purposes. An emergency fund is used to cover unexpected expenses, such as a car repair or medical bill.

Savings, on the other hand, are typically used for planned expenses, such as a down payment on a house or tuition for college. Because of this, it’s important to have both an emergency fund and a savings account. That way, you’ll be prepared for both the expected and the unexpected.

2 . Why shouldn’t you keep your emergency fund money in your checking account?

Many people choose to keep their emergency funds in their checking accounts, but this can actually do more harm than good. If the interest earned in a checking account is less than the inflation rate, then our cash won’t be able to buy as much as it used to, so an emergency fund saved in a checking account actually becomes less beneficial over time.

3 . How much is too much in savings?

One rule of thumb is to keep enough cash in your savings account to cover three to six months’ worth of living expenses. Beyond that, it’s important to consider how much risk you’re comfortable with and how much interest you’re earning on your savings.

Another consideration that you have too much cash in your savings account is if you exceed the $250,000 limit set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) — obviously not a concern for the average saver. In general, it’s best to keep a healthy mix of cash and investments in your portfolio, so that you’re prepared for whatever life throws your way.

4 . How much does Dave Ramsey say to have in emergency funds?

One of the most important financial lessons that Dave Ramsey teaches is the importance of an emergency fund. An emergency fund is a savings account that is dedicated to covering unexpected expenses, such as a medical bill or car repair.

Ramsey recommends that everyone prioritize saving for an emergency fund, even if it means putting off other financial goals. He recommends starting with a small emergency fund of just $1,000.

Once you have become debt free, he believes you should have three to six months of living expenses saved. Having a robust emergency fund will help you weather any financial storms that come your way.

5 . How much should a 30-year-old have in savings?

A general rule of thumb is to have one time your annual income saved. This may seem like a forbidding task, but you can start small and increase your savings over time. Automating your savings can also help to make the process easier.

By age 40, you should aim to have three times your annual income saved, and by 50, you should have saved six times your annual income. Ultimately, the goal is to keep saving until you reach your desired retirement fund level.