If I didn’t prepare a buffer before reaching a point where I had to think about “staying afloat” then I’d just be more aggressive in taking on contract work (I’

If I didn’t prepare a buffer before reaching a point where I had to think about “staying afloat” then I’d just be more aggressive in taking on contract work (I’m a consultant but favour my discretionary time over filling every day with work). I’d pause my main project until I had a buffer again or do the new work around my project. That aggressiveness comes from reaching out to my existing network more, stretching that network to more people and also removing things that compromise in the contract work search (bonus if they’re also sapping money). So things like Netflix, eating out regularly, or anything else that’s definitely a Want but not a Need, are put on pause as well. But this would be a lot easier if a buffer was created first so you wouldn’t reach this situation in the first place. Or if you did then you’re prepared better for weathering it out. You build a buffer to help you financially and also mentally: build up a war chest with either savings or investment money and do things that make you uncomfortable while you have the room to do so, so they don’t make a mess of you later.