Once you have a $500 emergency fund, you should...

The rationale behind maintaining your $500 emergency fund until it is required for unexpected expenses is sound financial planning. An emergency fund is specifically designed to provide a safety net during unexpected financial events, such as car repairs, medical expenses, or job loss. By keeping the fund intact, you ensure that the money is available when an actual emergency arises.

Using the fund prematurely for purposes such as paying debt, buying health insurance, or investing can undermine the primary purpose of the emergency fund. If a true emergency occurs, you may find yourself without the necessary financial cushion, leading to greater stress and potential financial difficulties. Therefore, preserving that emergency fund until it's needed is the best strategy for financial stability.