What really saves cash is cash itself. Having an emergency fund eliminates the cost of borrowing in a financial crisis.
When people want to get their hands on a quick $2,000, two popular sources include:
Withdrawing from the 401(k), which has a big long-term impact, says Ted Sarenski, a CPA and member of the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission. To cover taxes and penalties, you would have to take out $3,000, he says. Over 30 years at 7 percent, that sum would be worth $24,300. Having cash, instead of withdrawing from the 401(k), saves $22,300 over 30 years.
That could pay for the down payment on a house, a new car, or two years of tuition at a state college, according to The College Board.
Taking a credit card advance, which often includes a 3 percent upfront charge, plus 16 to 20 percent interest, says Sarenski. The cost over two years of repayment: $421 to $516.
That $421 could buy more than three months' worth of power bills, 128 gallons of gas or four months of premium cable.