why should your emergency fund be separate from any other savings accounts?

The emergency fund should be separate from other savings accounts because it serves a different purpose and requires protection from being spent on non- emergencies. Keeping the emergency fund in a separate account helps ensure it is reserved for unexpected expenses like car repairs, medical bills, sudden job loss, or urgent home repairs, and not accidentally spent on planned goals such as vacations or holiday shopping. This separation creates a mental barrier that discourages dipping into the emergency money for everyday or non- urgent spending. Additionally, the emergency fund should be easily accessible and kept in a safe, liquid account like a high-yield savings account for quick access during financial emergencies. Overall, having distinct accounts helps maintain financial security, keeps emergency savings intact, and supports both crisis preparedness and goal-oriented saving simultaneously.