It seemed like every time I had money saved up just in case an emergency would arise, it did. However, if I hadn't saved for that possible emergency I wouldn't have had the funds to handle it. That would have added to my stress of trying to get out of debt.
Having money set aside for an emergency was one of the best skills I learned on my plan with CareOne!
When I was in debt, I could only save a small amount each month. I am thankful that no big emergencies came up. Now that I am out of credit card debt, I am looking at the bigger picture.
What if there is a medical emergency?
I had to have neck surgery while I was on the plan, which was not a pretty picture once the bills started coming in.
They charged me over $300 just for someone to come in for ten minutes to teach me how to put on my shoes. The charges are all done separately so all of a sudden you have over 10 different bills for one procedure. It can be very overwhelming.
Not to mention all of the follow-up visits! Two years of follow-up and physical therapy, too! YIKES!
Now my emergency fund is building so that if something like this should arise again, I am more prepared. Probably not completely prepared, but I am in a better position now than I have ever been. I am also lucky enough to not get sick very often, so my sick leave balances through my employer are such that I could take over six weeks off and still have a full paycheck. Just another way to be prepared in case there is a medical emergency.
In my experience, if you can save up even $20 a month towards an emergency, you will be more prepared than someone who doesn't have anything.
It may not be enough if an emergency does arise, but at least you have something to help you out.
Do you have money set aside for that rainy day? If not, start small and build from there.
Getting out of debt is stressful enough, there's no reason to add to that stress. Good luck!
Monica Davis
Monica is no stranger to the CareOne Community. As a debt management plan customer (DMP), Monica engaged in our community forums regularly, helping others with questions about the plans. Now that Monica has completed her DMP in just three years, Monica continues to share what made her successful in the forums and now through our blogs. Monica is accustomed to providing support and works as a Communications Officer for an emergency dispatch center in Washington State. Follow Monica as she shares her tips and insight in the My Journey out of Debt and A Straight Talk on Debt blogs. Compensated CareOne Debt Relief Services Blogger.
