Just when it seems like everything is under control, “life happens.” It’s those unexpected, unpredictable emergencies that come up that can put a strain on your finances if you’re not prepared. You may need a sudden house repair, have a loss of employment, need a major car repair, or need to buy a new furnace. The list goes on and on. Although you can’t avoid it, having an emergency fund can help you be prepared and take out some of the financial sting.