dealing with unexpected expenses

ever get hit with one of those surprise expenses that just make you want to scream? last month, my car decided it needed a new transmission, and wow, that was a blow to my budget. it's moments like these when having an emergency fund really saves the day. i started putting a little aside each month last year, and although it wasn't enough to cover the whole cost, it definitely took some of the sting out. anyone else have stories of unexpected expenses and how you managed to handle them? i'd love to hear your strategies or just commiserate a bit together! 😊