<prompt> Human: What are peoples thoughts on establishing an emergency fund while paying down debt at the same time. Is it better to focus all funds on clearing debt first or is it good to divert some cash towards an emergency fund?  <response>: Its about risk tolerance.I payed the minimum on my student loans until I saved enough to hit my 3 month bare minimum expense rentsome foodwater savings fund. Now Im comfortable throwing everything at my debt and knowing the next emergency wont put me even further in debt. 