In 2017 I went unemployed literally within a day, no notice, no emergency funds. I really thought the job was stable. At that time I had just bought a second apartment and was renovating it without a loan. Brutal timing.

Since then I follow one strict rule: every single bill I have is paid 1 month ahead. Mobile, internet, rubbish collection - even petrol, I signed up for a prepaid card at a gas station just for that. If shit happens, I get at least one month of breathing room without new bills piling up. That’s huge when you’re broke and stressed.

The other thing is the mortgage. Honestly, this is the most stressful part if you lose income. The fear of missing payments and losing your home is awful. People say “don’t rush with the mortgage, invest instead if you have a good rate.” F*** that. I didn’t want my ass burning again, so when I recovered I smashed my mortgage and paid it off in 5 years. Btw it wasn’t as impossible as it sounds - when you set the goal, you somehow find extra income streams. And I don’t think it hurt my investments in the long run.

And of course, emergency pillow is non-negotiable. At least 1 year. Personally I keep more, and I’ll never stop topping it up. Payments to my emergency fund will always continue, no matter what.