As a parent, there are lots of details that go into looking out for your family.  In order to ensure that everyone has their basic needs covered, it’s up to you be smart, particularly when it comes to your finances.

Knowing how to use money as a tool is one of the most important advantages that you can have as a parent.  Without making the right moves, you could find yourself in serious financial problems.

Although there are a lot of expert recommendations to keep you in the clear when it comes to money, one of the most important things that you should do is always have savings on hand.  Here are the most important reasons why.

Unexpected Costs

Life has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it.  When your car gets towed, or whether a pipe suddenly bursts in the basement and comes with a hefty bill attached to it, you never know what can happen in the crazy day to day experience of life.

Having savings on hand ensures that if you need access to immediate funds, you know that it's there for you and your family to lean on.

Medical Emergencies

Kids seem to always be getting hurt.  Whether they fall down playing a sport, or trip and fall at home, you just never know what injury is around the corner.

When they go to school, they become even more susceptible to physical injury and illness, so the likelihood of having to pay for medical attention increases.  If you or one of your family members finds themselves needing to go to the hospital, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’ll pay for it.  Having savings on hand gives you the peace of mind knowing that you can pay for it without having to go into crippling debt.

Family Vacation

One of the most important parts of childhood is building memories with the family.  What better memories to create than going on a vacation together.

By putting away even just a few hundred dollars a month, you can afford a nice family vacation once a year which will give everyone the chance to connect.

Unemployment

No one ever expects to lose their job.  When you have a family to take care of, losing your job due to unforeseen circumstances can feel like a rug being pulled out from under you.

As the panic of not having a steady paycheck to rely on sets in, you may start to wonder how you’ll take care of your family.

Having emergency savings on hand so you can pay your rent and basic needs until you find another job is crucial.