We all end up in situations where we have unexpected expenses. This subject is especially poignant for me this year because my husband asked for a divorce back in May, and that resulted in some major costs that I wasn’t expecting.
I was fortunate in many ways, considering the situation. My ex wasn’t interested in fighting over resources. Instead, he just wanted things to move as smoothly as possible. All he wanted was some help setting up his own living situation and asked nothing beyond that. I ended up moving across the country, and that was an expense, but I was able to handle it.
As I thought about how I made it through the divorce with my finances intact, I realized that I used three different strategies to handle my unexpected expenses:
1. Emergency Savings
First of all, it’s worth noting that I keep an emergency fund. My emergency fund is a little unconventional in that the bulk of it remains in a taxable investment account, invested in an index fund that follows the S&P 500. I keep three weeks’ worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account, but the rest of it is invested. I was able to tap into my emergency assets to get access to the immediate capital I needed.
2. Line of Credit
Even though I could have used the emergency savings to cover everything, I decided I didn’t want to deplete things that far. I turned to a line of credit. If you can get a relatively low rate, it might be worth it to use a line of credit to help manage unexpected expenses. It can be a way to smooth cash flow, as well as prevent you from completely drawing down your emergency fund. I was able to keep the low rate and pay off what I borrowed relatively quickly, so the interest didn’t make a dent in my finances (since it was largely neutralized by my investment returns on the emergency fund).
3. Help from Others
I am fortunate that I have a good support system. Even though I paid most of the unexpected expenses myself, using my amassed assets or my access to cheap credit, I did get some help from others. When I first moved to town, my parents generously let my son and me stay at their house until I found a place of my own. When I did secure a rental, my parents took us shopping and bought a number of household items for us, including cleaning supplies, paper supplies, and some kitchen staples. It was a kind gesture that reduced the amount of money I had to spend outfitting my new home.
When you run into unexpected expenses or a financial emergency, stop and think about the resources you have available to you. There are a number of ways to look for help, whether it’s a local religious congregation or community group, or whether it’s friends and family. You should also plan ahead now, building your emergency assets and working on building good credit so that you have more low-cost options when you need access to capital.
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Incredible article Miranda! I figure many individuals don’t believe that an occasion will come up that may exhaust their assets. I extremely like setting up a just-in-case account. I unquestionably think three weeks is sufficient time to make sense of an approach to begin profiting if essential.
Awesome stuff Miranda excellent tips. I have always thought it is important to keep an extra amount in savings just in case for emergencies. I had a friend whose dad had a stroke and had to go into full time care and he struggled to find the money to support his father. Ultimately he Maxed out his Credit card which was a costly mistake.
Thanks again,
Matthew Metcalfe
smartermoneyhabits.com
What’s the difference between a line of credit and a credit card?
The only difference is really how you can use a credit card to pay versus a line of credit where it usually comes with checks or some lines let you electronically transfer money elsewhere. Most lines have lower interests costs than the loan you get with credit cards as well.
Great article Miranda! I think a lot of people don’t even think that an event will come up that might deplete their funds. I really like the idea of setting up an emergency fund. I definitely think three weeks is enough time to figure out a way to start making more money if necessary.
Most accidents are unlikely events but that doesn’t mean they never occur. You certainly don’t want to let one unfortunate event ruin your finances.
Ding, ding, ding, we have a winner!
#1 Emergency Savings. Always try and keep something in reserve, the best advice.
Yup. You just never know when you need cash in a hurry.
How much percent of your money should you keep in emergency savings? LN.