We had investments, but no liquidity for an emergency

Summary: We thought we were financially prepared. Then came an emergency that proved otherwise, not because we hadn't saved, but because we hadn't separated the right money from the rest. For years, I believed we were financially prepared. We had investments for long-term goals and contributions running regularly. On paper, everything looked responsible. We often reassured ourselves that if something unexpected happened, we would manage. Then came the emergency. It was a medical situation that required immediate attention, the kind where decisions must be made in minutes. As we moved between hospitals and urgent phone calls, we realised that most of our money was tied up in long-ter