I just wanted to touch on this subject as we recently found ourselves in need of funds for expensive diagnostic tests.

Many here on the board already have savings accounts for such occasions when you need funds for emergencies.
But in case you have not yet thought of saving for these things, let me tell you, don't wait for that time to come, but start saving now for this.

Just to give you a reality check, here are some of the things that could be a possible emergency and their potential cost associated with it.

Root canal and crown= $2,000 to $3700
MRI= $2,000 to $3,000
CT Scan $1,000 to $1800
Myelogram $1,000 to $1800

Have your eyes popped out of your head yet?
Well, these are just a couple of things that can cost quite a fortune. There are so many other things but my main point is to make you stop and think about it, so that when something like this happens you have the money set aside so you can properly care for your beloved pet/partner the way you would want to.

We have dog insurance on both our dogs, but we have to pay the bill in full first before getting reimbursed afterwards.
So, now we have a savings account specifically for the dogs, in case of these kinds of emergencies, we will be prepared.
Something to think about....

Very good suggestion Joyce... I've heard that ideally, we should have between 3 - 6 months of living expenses set aside for those times when "life" happens. It sounds impossible to accomplish but a drip here and a drab there, yard sales, etc... can add up.