Dave Ramsey: 8 Non-Emergencies You Should Not Be Wasting Money On

©Dave Ramsey

An emergency fund is meant to provide you peace of mind in the event of a financial emergency — that is, anything unexpected or unplanned. Whether you have $1,000 or $10,000, that money is a financial buffer. It’s not for fun or things you want but that could wait.

Read Next: Nearly Half of Americans Struggle To Pay Their Utility Bills: 5 Ways To Save

Check Out: 4 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

That said, there’s a lot of uncertainty about emergency funds and what it’s OK to use them for — and what it’s not. If you’re not sure whether it’s a good idea to use your emergency fund, you might want to follow the advice of Dave Ramsey, a financial guru and CEO of Ramsey Solutions.

Here are the top non-emergencies you should not spend your emergency fund on, according to Ramsey.

Regular Monthly Expenses

If you don’t have a budget, you might find yourself needing to pull from your emergency fund to cover regular expenses. But your regular cost of living should be covered by your income. You shouldn’t need to rely on an emergency fund to pay the bills.

Don’t use your fund on things like food, utilities, monthly debts, transportation, household items, insurance, fun or entertainment, regular maintenance, or other monthly bills. Save it for things like an unexpected job loss or a car accident.

Find Out: 6 Things the Middle Class Should Sell To Build Their Savings

Routine Doctor Visits

Routine doctor visits, Ramsey said, should be expected. Whether that’s an annual physical checkup or your flu shot, you should be prepared for these things. Your emergency fund should remain untouched.

On the other hand, you can use the fund for emergency medical bills.

Holiday Shopping

Holidays and birthdays come around at the same time every year, making them an expected expense. Ideally, you’ll be saving up for these events in advance and won’t need to withdraw from your emergency fund to cover things like holiday décor, gifts or food.

Planned Vacations

According to Ramsey, vacations — whether they’re planned or last-minute — are more of a want than a need. Because of this, they don’t count as emergencies.

While self-care and entertainment are important, you can always opt for a low-cost or cheap alternative if the money isn’t there. Whether that’s hiking or planning a picnic, don’t use your emergency fund for such things.

Now, if a family emergency comes up and you need to travel, then using your emergency fund to pay for the trip makes sense. This falls into the needs category.

Car Upgrades

You don’t need the latest vehicle or car upgrade. That’s a want.

If your car breaks down and you absolutely need transportation, Ramsey said it’s OK to use your emergency fund for a cheaper vehicle — ideally one you buy in cash. Alternatively, stick with public transit until you can afford a better car.

Another non-emergency is a new stereo system in your vehicle. But if your air conditioning stops working in the middle of summer, that’s probably a bit more urgent and can be covered with your emergency fund.

New Electronics

You wouldn’t be the first person to want to get a phone upgrade or the latest tech. But if you can’t afford it in your monthly budget, don’t use your emergency fund for it. Wait until you’ve saved up enough money, and get it then.

Latest Sales

Another non-emergency is that weekend sale at your favorite local retailer. It could be on clothes, shoes, concert tickets or something else. Whatever the case, unless it’s urgent and necessary, it can probably wait.

Impulse Purchases

Never waste your emergency money on impulse buys. This could be something small, like a coffee out, or it could be something bigger, like home improvement purchases or expensive gadgets. If it’s something you want but don’t need, don’t get it until you can afford it without pulling from your fund.

Questions To Ask Yourself

Here are a few questions Dave Ramsey suggested asking yourself before you use your emergency fund:

• Is it unexpected?

• Is it absolutely necessary?

• Is it urgent?

If you answered no to any of those questions, it’s probably better not to use the money. If you answered yes, that’s what your rainy day fund is for.

More From GOBankingRates

• I Retired in My 50s: Here's My Monthly Budget

• 50 Safest and Most Affordable US Cities To Live In

• 6 Things to Try This Week if You're Behind on Your Savings Goals

• 4 Reasons Retired Women Need More Money Than Men -- And What To Do About it

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramsey: 8 Non-Emergencies You Should Not Be Wasting Money On