We have savings directly taken out of our paycheck for retirement, plus the kids college. DH gets a disability check which goes into the kids college account.
We set up a "special savings" account, which is where all the leftovers from our pay checks go. This account is our fluid nest egg. Last fall, 1) our house was hit by lightning, 2) we had just decided to re-do all the flooring in the house, and 3) we had a hurricane strike. That nest egg paid for all the deductibles and additional out of pocket costs from the storm damage, as well as the flooring. If we hadn't had that available, we would have been in trouble. I think we spent nearly $15,000 in about 4 weeks! Some of it we got back from insurance, but that definitely brought home to me the need to keep some cash available.