why i started a “family emergency fund” after my son’s soccer accident
Last month, my son took a nasty fall during soccer practice. He wasn’t seriously hurt, but the ER visit still set me back over $600. I realized something obvious: we didn’t have a dedicated fund for unexpected family expenses.
So, I opened a separate savings account labeled “Family Emergency Fund.” I automated a small monthly transfer — nothing that would sting, just enough to grow over time. Then I showed my kids the account and explained, in simple terms, that this money is for emergencies only.
The surprising part? The kids got involved. My daughter started putting aside part of her allowance, my son started pitching in from his babysitting money. Now, our small fund is growing steadily, and I’ve noticed a shift in how my kids view money — it’s not just for toys or snacks; it’s about planning and security.
Even small, consistent contributions can turn a once stressful surprise into a manageable expense. Teaching kids this way doubles as financial education and a real-life safety net for the whole family.
#Finance #Family #MakeMoney #Savings #FinancialEducation
