NIL money can be up-and-down. Build a rainy-day fund first, then spend. Many families aim for 3–6 months of basic costs saved. That cushion keeps you steady when a deal is late.
Sources: FINRED emergency-fund checklist; NerdWallet rainy-day explainer.
First principle: Stability beats speed.
Analogy: Spare tire in the trunk—boring until you really need it.