I'm anti-notification, I can usually go a few hours without looking at my phone and it's always on silent. Sometimes I can't even find my phone, but this day I wish I had been doom-scrolling or something. I shut down my work computer, plugged my phone by my nightstand, and hopped into the shower to wash my hair, curly girls know this is an hours-long process. After washing my hair and settling in for the night, I checked my phone to see what time my alarm was set for and saw the calls, voicemails, and messages. My heart sank immediately as I listened to the voicemails telling me my dad was in the hospital.
After, calling my aunt, my sister, and cousin to understand how serious it was, I had to make a quick decision. I had to decide to fly out to Detroit on the next available flight. I thank the universe, or G-d, or whomever because this was exactly what an emergency fund is for, and I have one just for reasons like this. I was able to book the $850 flight to Detroit from Raleigh, and a rental car for $350 without a second thought.
It's these moments when I am glad that I made the decision to start budgeting and saving for times exactly like this. Times when an actual emergency should be my stressor, not my finances. It took me some time to build up my emergency fund after draining it to move across the country but I am glad I prioritized it. If you are looking to do the same, I have a free budget guide to help you start saving for emergencies like the one I experienced.
Check it out for download here.
Best wishes and health,
Yaya
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