The pandemic has highlighted the importance of an emergency fund, and a lot of people are relying on those funds they worked so hard to build.  Some people feel a little guilty though, like they want to make sure to hit some sort of rock bottom before they do.  Don’t feel that way, the money is there to protect you. Instead, try to shift your focus to building it back up when you can. Like you’re borrowing from yourself.  You’re using the fund now, but you’ll pay it back. When you have a budget emergency, like reduced hours or job loss the money is waiting to help get you buy until you have a stronger income. Keep your non-essential spending as low as possible and use that money to build your account back up for the future.