<prompt> Human: Just a post to anyone getting started here that the suggestions here really do work. This is my second month frequenting this subreddit. In that time, Ive set up a monthly budget and started paying off old debts and saving money. As an independent NYC college student waitress, it was a big lifestyle change. When Hurricane Sandy hit, I lost a week of work no electricity at my restaurant. Sure, it does set me behind, but I just paid rent with money in my emergency fund! Feels good!Assistant: Never was there a more appropriate usage of the Rainy Day Fund.This may sounds ridiculous and preaching to the choir, but dont forget to build that back up now!Human: Yeah, the recommended safety net is a few months expenses. Since I just opened my savings account two months ago, it shouldnt be a surprise that this one week without pay nearly drained it. Now to build it back up!Assistant: You should have asked for a discount on rent because of the storm. He didnt know you had a rainy day fund. You might have gotten a break and kept your moneyHuman: That sounds like something unlikely to have happened. Im sure I could have paid late, but an actual discount? Besides, I owe what I owe.  <response>: Thats an awesome attitude. Also youre making life easier for your landlord and thus cementing your name into his good books because probably everyone else is probably asking for extensions andor discounts! 