Do you have some money put aside in case of an emergency? Cash on hand, a credit card, and/or an easily accessed account within a bank, savings and loan and/or credit union can be the difference between living and dying. That is, if a sudden natural or man-made disaster does not kill you outright. Yes, it is truly wise to have a certain amount of money in the form of cash or its equivalent readily available in the event that such a, so called, “Emergency Fund” is required at a moments notice.
Bad things happen to each and every person, one or more times, during each person’s lifetime. Therefore, we must all follow the “Accountant’s Credo” that simply states, “Provide for all loses and anticipate no gains.”
That means that each of us should have in place an “Emergency Fund” which is nothing more than being able to pay for an unexpected expense soon after that unexpected expense is incurred. For example, your home could be destroyed by a tornado and now you are homeless.
You thank God that you have a homeowners’ insurance policy in force but before you can contact your insurance agent and report the loss you will need cash or a credit card, in order to check into a hotel or motel or some such temporary living arrangement. You might have to rent a mode of transportation. You will have to purchase food and be able to contact that insurance agent as soon as possible.
By the way, you also thank God, if you are so inclined to do so, that you have some money saved or have a valid credit card that is not charged to the max for such an emergency. You can also thank your lucky stars that you were not injured or killed by that unexpected natural disaster.
Then again, you could have an accident that requires emergency medical care. You might even have to be transported to the hospital via ambulance, or maybe you can get to the emergency room on your own or be taken there by a friend or a family member. Without health insurance it is quite likely that you will not receive the best treatment possible within a timely manner. Then again, you can simply pay cash on the spot or tender a credit card for the resulting medical expense.
Like it or not, money or its equivalent talks. It shows other people that you are a responsible member of the society who is to be treated with respect, no matter what unexpected emergency that you encounter at some time during your life. It is also a fact that most responsible adults keep on hand or have access to what is referred to as being an “Emergency Fund.” How much cash do you have in the cookie jar?