TT: You’re welcome.
For those of you asking about whether she is spending a few extra dollars because of a water bill, STOP.
I don’t see anyone doing that. Suggestions on how to squeeze out a few extra bucks are always needed.
BTW, mortgage payments ARE a form of savings, but only for the very long term, like a a 401K, and more volatile.
As far as the question, IMHO, it depends on how much cash (as in green pictures of dead presidents & Mr. you can access when needed. Do you have a HELOC? Access to a Gemach? Open Credit? Any of these things make having reserve cash for a crisis less of a requirement, as you can “raise” cash easily via debit.