Today, I have a special guest post that is near and dear to the heart. I met Liz from Chief Mom Officer over on the Rockstar Finance Forums and she reached out to me about wanting to share her story. I think you will really enjoy and relate to her story. Hopefully you will understand why we think emergency funds are important to your overall financial plan. Without further rambling, I'll let Liz take it away!
Sometimes you might doubt whether having a three to six month emergency fund is really necessary. After all, you're young, you're healthy, your job is pretty steady. Shouldn't you have that money invested instead of easily accessed? Why bother saving up three to six months expenses-isn't that overkill?
I'm here to tell you that an emergency fund can be what will save you when everything else in your life falls apart. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who are still working toward their emergency funds to keep going-it will be worth it in the end.
Surgery, Sepsis, and a real Emergency
I've always kept something aside for emergencies, with the thought that it would be used in the event of a job loss. Four and a half years ago, when my husband almost died of sepsis, I got a unique perspective on the kind of comfort an emergency fund can give you in the worst of times.
My husband had walked into the hospital a healthy 36 year old man, for a surgery that was supposed to be straightforward. As the surgeon said "there's a 99% chance he'll be fine!" Unfortunately when there's a 99% chance things will be fine, there's a 1% chance they will not, and there are real people in that 1% chance. That time, it was us. Days after the original surgery, he was not doing well. They discovered an emergency situation that led to another Sunday night emergency surgery. Before I knew it, he was in the Intensive Care Unit, on a ventilator, in a medically induced coma. He would stay that way for a week-they told me he was in something called "septic shock".
My husband with our then-four year old at the rehabilitation center
Now, septic shock is not something you should Google.
I speak from experience here, because when I did, the fatality figures were astounding. Septic shock has a mortality rate of 50%. Abdominal sepsis (which is what he had) has a mortality rate of 72%. Every day I walked into that hospital and sat by his side, listening to the ventilator breathe for him, and I wondered how I would tell our two young children (ages 8 and 4 at the time) that their father died. I was only 31 years old at the time, and never imagined that it was possible for someone my age to be in that situation.
Fortunately, he didn't die. He was able to get off the ventilator after a week, get out of the ICU onto the hospital floor, and into a rehabilitation center. After a month away, he was able to come home. He wasn't able to climb the stairs, so I brought our bed down with the help of my parents and we all slept in the living room. The kids set up their sleeping bags on the floor, because they didn't want to be away from their dad. Once he was home, there were many more months of physical and occupational therapy. There were medical appointments, visiting nurses, procedures, and another surgery. Recovery was a long, slow, arduous process. He recovered to a "new normal", not where he was before, but much improved.
Financially, this could have been devastating.
His medical bills that year totaled almost $200,000 - after the insurance discount. He had been caring for our children during the day, and now suddenly I had to pay for daycare. He had lost his job in the Great Recession when his factory closed, and was receiving unemployment. Now that stopped because he was unable to work.
On top of medical expenses, there were numerous other expenses that we needed to cover (installing railings in the house, buying assisting tools to reach & grab things on the floor, new clothes, certain food, etc.). When you're sitting in the ICU, or dealing with some other emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is "how on earth am I going to pay for this".
How the Emergency Fund - And Emergency Plan - Saved Us
At the time, I had an emergency fund of about 4-5 months of expenses. Also, we had health insurance (never, ever, ever go without health insurance!). The emergency fund was enough to take care of all the big, one-time expenses. Things like our $7,000 out of pocket maximum on the insurance policy. Or railing installations in the house so he could get around. In addition to the emergency fund, I'd always been a saver and investor. I was contributing to college funds for the kids and putting aside 15% for retirement. My monthly investing gave me the cushion in the budget to deal with this huge financial shock.
Once it was apparent my husband was going to recover, I immediately went into what Dave Ramsey would call "storm cloud mode".
I stopped the college contributions - that added a few hundred dollars a month to the budget. I cut the retirement back to 6% of my salary, still enough to get the employer match. It gave me a 9% raise (I would have cut it altogether, if needed). Those changes, in addition to the emergency fund, paid the $1,000 per month daycare bill until he recovered.
Once things calmed down, and my husband was home from rehabilitation, I took a knife to all our other expenses and cut them to the bone. We already didn't have cable, so there was nothing to cut there. We've replaced the home phone with an Ooma, saving $45 a month. We dropped our Internet and cell phone plans to the lowest possible option. Eating out was gone from the budget, and all food was made at home from scratch. And so on, through all the expenses.
An emergency fund is a great place to start financially. However, it's important to also formulate an emergency plan to back up the fund. In the case of something going catastrophically wrong - whether it's a job loss, a medical emergency, a fire in your home, or something else - the emergency fund is just the start. Having a cushion in your budget by saving, investing and knowing what expenses are optional and can be cut out, are extremely helpful when the worst hits.
Other Things I Learned
I learned a great deal about the importance of an emergency fund and emergency plan. In the four and a half years since that time, I've built the emergency fund up to 12 months of expenses. I also learned:
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The importance of being debt free.
At that time, we had a car loan, which was a monthly drain of a few hundred dollars that we just didn't need. Today, we're completely debt free except for the mortgage, and I plan to pay that off in five years. I listened to both Clark Howard and Dave Ramsey's podcasts in the car on the way to/from work for years to keep motivated.
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Accepting help from others.
I'm a fiercely independent person and it was hard to accept help, but I knew we needed it. Our extended family was at the house every day while my husband was in the hospital and rehabilitation. They were taking care of the kids (who couldn't visit), making dinner, doing drop offs/pickups. Basically, they were helping us however they could. At work, people stepped up to cover for me while I needed to be out
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It can happen to you.
We all like to pretend that because we're healthy, young, or always wear our seat belt, nothing bad will happen. This has shown me sometimes extremely bad things happen through no fault of our own, so you need to prepare. Not only through emergency funds and plans, but also through wills and life insurance.
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Life is short-focus on what really matters.
This is something that you hear a lot, but it usually doesn't hit home when you're in your early 30's. But it does for me. This event changed my entire perspective on life, and it also changed how I perceive stressful situations. When I find myself getting worked up over something at work or home, I take a step back and ask myself if this is something that really matters in life. Usually the answer is no-it's something that's going wrong in the moment but won't matter in a month or a year. You can check out the 10-10-10 strategy for a good method to help you focus on what really matters.
A Happy Ending?
Septic shock changed our lives, and the after effects continue to follow us to this day. Just last year, a few months after the birth of our youngest son, my husband had to have another major (reconstructive) surgery. But we don't let any of this stop us from living a rich, full life. I'm laser focused on becoming both totally debt free and financially independent. It will give our family greater security, should something happen to one of us. I'm thankful that we've been given another chance at our life. And I hope turn this terrible situation into a force to inspire and help others on their financial journeys.
Our youngest, born just a year and a half ago.
Liz is a mother of three boys, two cats, and one dog. She's also an MBA and IT professional helping working moms become the Chief Mom Officer of their household over at Chief Mom Officer. Follow her on Twitter at @Liz_Officer, or reach out through e-mail to [email protected].
What do you think? Does this change your views about how emergency funds are important and your need for one? Let Liz and I know in the comments below! Have a great week!
Are you ready to finally take control of your finances? Let my budgeting spreadsheets help!
Just fill out the form below and I'll send you the link to get the same exact budgeting spreadsheets that I use each month!
Included in the workbook:
- Monthly budget form
- Breakdown of savings form (for your sinking funds)
- Overview of your financial plan
I've been using these same forms since August 2011 and have grown my family's net worth 500% tracking our money using these forms!
Liz
Latest posts by Liz (see all)
- The Time Our Emergency Fund – and Plan – Saved The Day - November 28, 2016
I can’t tell you how many times my emergency fund has saved my life
It’s very useful, isn’t it?
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
Very eye-opening post with great tips for being prepared in an emergency!
Thanks, I’m glad you found the tips helpful!
Very inspirational story! I love Dave Ramsey too! So encouraging to see how budgeting really helps. Thanks! š
Thanks! I’m glad you found the story inspirational. I hope it will help others who may one day face an emergency of their own.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
Wow. That is one heck of a story. And with a lot of great lessons for everyone too.
So glad everything turned out okay-ish.
Thanks for sharing.
derek recently posted…Three reasons to start using Tiller for your monthly budget. (Plus a free budgeting video series!)
Thanks Derek – glad to hear you think it has some good lessons for others.
Very helpful article with great lessons to share!
Thank you! I’m glad to hear you found it helpful.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
What an awful, trying and stressful situation for you and your family. I’m glad that you were able to do what needed to be done because you had prepared. In Canada, we’re much more fortunate. No hospital bills, we can collect 15 weeks of sick benefits and then switch over to regular unemployment benefits if we’re still not able to return to work.
We also have social programs that will assist with daycare expenses and food banks/food share programs.
Regardless, though, it much more prudent to be prepared and know how to cut back on your expenses if need be. You deserve a lot of praise for what you’ve been able to do.
Jane Porterfield recently posted…Christmas Stress Busting Tips
Thank you Jane! I’m envious of the Canadian system sometimes, but being prepared for a medical emergency is an unfortunate reality here in the US. You’re fortunate to be better protected against some kinds of emergencies up there.
I’m sorry that you and your family have had to deal with so much stress.
I’m glad that you were so well prepared (accidentally?) for what was to come.
I’m in Canada, so things are quite a bit easier as far as benefits, costs and social programs.
Kudos to you for being able to deal with all of this.
Wow, thankyou for putting in perspective how important it is to have those bit of savings. It’s so true that you never know what is going to be around the corner. I’m glad he pulled through, I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been.
Thanks Chole, we’re very fortunate. It’s been a long, slow road but I’m hoping some good can come out of it by sharing our story.
SO important that everybody has an Emergency Fund – especially these days
Andrea recently posted…Meditate On The Bible? Yup ā Joshua 1:8 Says Soā¦.
So true Andrea! You just never know what life has in store.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
You are so right! Life if too unpredictable especially with kids. Having an emergency fund is always the smart route.
Right, the last thing you want to be worrying about in an emergency is how you’re going to pay for everything.
Thank you for sharing this story with us. It seems like a really horrible time, but I am glad everything worked out for you. It is important to have a budget, savings and a plan for everything. Life has unexpected twists in it and we should all be prepared.
Wren recently posted…You Should Watch Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life
Very true – life just doesn’t go the way we expect it to
Wow! What a story! I’m so glad you’re husband recovered and everything is working out.
Thank you Julie! I hope it will help others.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
What a story. Glad it all worked out and your husband is recovering.
Thank you! We’re very glad as well, and hope our story can help others
I’m sorry this happened. But yes, it’s always important to have an emergency fund. We have one just in case.
Amber Myers recently posted…Hey, It’s Okay
Glad to hear that you have one Amber-it’s so important. You just never know when you’re going to need it.
It is always good to have a rainy day fund because you never know when you will need it
Very true Breyona! Emergencies just seem to come out of no where sometimes.
That was devastating, I’m glad you got through all of it as a family and you were able to bounce back as well. There’s really nothing like being able to save for a rainy day.
It’s so important to have something set aside, so if something bad happens you can at least not have to worry about money.
You are a strong woman, my dear!
Being a caregiver, I feel like having to deal with finances is so much added stress. That is why we have started our path to becoming debt free. It isn’t as easy as we thought it would be, but it will be worth it in the long run.
I wish you and your family great health! It seems as though y’all were able to bounce back from this and turn it into something very positive.
Yes, it took a long time to get where we are now, and I definitely spent a while being a caregiver. I’m glad to hear you’ve started your path to debt freedom-it’s certainly worth it in the long run! Things worth having are rarely easy.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
I’m so glad your husband is alright (for the most part)! This was an eye-opener for sure!
Thank you! We’re very glad too – I’m grateful every day for all the improvement he’s had.
This is why having savings is important. I applaud you for getting through that tough time. It’s great that you’re recovering and you’re doing great as a family.
Carol Cassara recently posted…Stand up and be counted
Thank you Carol – we’re both very glad that things turned out well in the end. I hope others will find our story helpful in inspiring them to save-or maintain-their emergency funds.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
This is a great read and very enlightening. We’re building our emergency fund back up after having to use it for our son’s medical expenses.
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I hope your son is doing better-I know those medical expenses can be a challenge.
I agree it is great living a debt free and financially independent life. Having some money put away is so important! Unfortunately, not everyone has that extra money to put away. Glad to hear your husband is doing better.
So true, it can be tricky to find the money to put away. Even small amounts can help build a cushion that will help you if things go wrong! There have been times I could only put aside a few dollars a week.
We just broke into our emergency fund. I think it’s important to have one. It will come in handy just as yours did. I am glad everything worked out.
Sorry to hear you had to break into your emergency fund. I’m sure you’re glad you had it in place for when you needed it.
Inspiring story. Glad for the happy ending.
I hate owing money! I need to build up a greater emergency fund.
Thank you Larry, we’re glad for the happy ending too! Best of luck in building up your emergency fund – you can do it!
True inspiration, Mom. I had no idea you’d gone (and are continuing to go) through such a trial. Emergency funds are absolutely essential, and a priority for all us of.
Your post also makes me realize this Thanksgiving season the reality that those of us who have been fortunate with our health should never take it for granted. Be thankful, and realize your life can change in an instant.
So true Fritz, good health isn’t something I take for granted anymore. I’m very grateful for all the good days now!
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
Omg it’s so important that we all have a savings!!! You just never know when something can happen
So true, life has a way of just throwing you curve balls when you least expect!
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…Finding Purpose in your work ā No Matter What you do
Wow what a story!! Glad he’s ok and you can now inspire and help others with your story ā¤ļø Ty for sharing!
You’re welcome!
Iām sorry that you had to deal with such situation! So glad everything turned out okay.
Thank you Jasmine! We’re glad things ended up turning out well too. There was a long time where we weren’t sure if he would improve-and if so by how much.
Having an emergency fund is so important. I was happy to read a happy ending.
jill conyers recently posted…Double Chocolate Mint Chocolate Chip Oatmeal
Yes, it’s so important, isn’t it?
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…How Your Emergency Plan can Save You
Great article. I think the younger generation has the hardest time understanding this. My emergency fund saved us last year when the laws changed in the country I was working in. Being an American expat, I had experienced a time when an emergency fund kept my family together.
J.L. McFadden recently posted…Choices
Agree, it’s so easy when you’re young to think “nothing will ever happen to me”. I was relatively young when all this happened (31) so I have a somewhat unique perspective among others my age. Glad to hear your emergency fund was able to help you when you needed it
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…A Thoughtful Gift Your Kids Can Make ā A Memory Book
Thanks for sharing your story! I’m so glad your husband has recovered and that you were able to manage financially through the crisis. Emergency funds, and emergency plans, are critical. Most people think of them only for job loss, and if they feel their job is secure (no one’s job is ever truly secure), they don’t seem to worry about it. But illness or injury can prevent you from working and you definitely need health insurance, disability insurance, and an emergency fund for that.
Thanks Gary – it’s so true that many people think only of job loss when it comes to emergency funds. It’s important to realize that they help with many more things-not just job losses and illnesses, but also things like urgent unexpected travel, home repairs, etc.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…Four Financial Lessons from School Book Fairs
Hi Liz! So glad to hear the rest of the story. What a traumatic ordeal for you all. I, too, am fiercely independent and had to learn to accept help from others the way others accept help from me. It’s a strange place to be in but gets better the more you are able to let that wall down – looks like you got a lot of practice!
PS – Your kids are adorable!!!
Miss Mazuma recently posted…Your Mind is Speaking ā Are You Listening?
It’s so hard to accept help sometimes, but great to have people be there when you need them. I hope one day I can be that person for someone else who needs help the way I did at that time.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…Women: Be Proud of Being the Breadwinner
So glad everything turned out okay! Definitely some great lessons here – thank you so much for sharing it!
Thanks, I hope it will help inspire others who might be in a similar situation one day to be prepared with an emergency fund.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…New Rules of the Game- 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace by Susan Packard
What an amazing story, this is the kind of post that can really make a difference. There’s nothing like a real life example of the impact of a sound financial plan, whether it be an emergency fund, or savings buffer, getting out of debt. So glad I read this today! š
Thanks triple M, glad to hear you think it can make a difference! I hope so.
Liz@ChiefMomOfficer recently posted…New Rules of the Game- 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace by Susan Packard
I am a BIG proponent of the emergency fund and your story really drives it home.
I’m so sorry that Y’all went through this and SO happy that it’s turned out okay.
Thanks for sharing your story.
All the best from Texas.