My emergency fund saved me when my car's transmission went out in Denver

I was driving to work last Tuesday when my old Honda Civic just stopped shifting gears on I-25. The shop said a full repair would cost $2,100. I had $2,400 saved in my 'car trouble' envelope, so I paid cash and didn't touch my credit card. Some friends say keeping that much cash is a waste, but others think it's smart to avoid debt. What's your take on how big an emergency fund should be for car stuff?

3 comments

3 Comments

betty_ward2mo ago

Wait, you keep $2,400 in a literal envelope? That's wild.

robinl901mo ago

Hey, my envelope is safer than some banks I've seen lately, right?

the_logan2mo ago

Betty_ward, my Denver mechanic says a $3k fund covers most surprises without touching savings.