I want to start by saying that I know this question has been asked before but everywhere I looked, nobody is answering the question instead saying emergency fund should be separate from other savings ie down payment, car payment, etc. I already have separate “vaults” for all those things but my question is if an emergency fund is different from my regular saving or if they are the same thing?

For example, I’ve got 4 separate vaults; car maintenance, down payment for a house, gifts/vacation, and one for all bills such as CC payments, insurance, etc. And then separate from that I’ve got just a general savings account that I’ve had for several years because that’s what everyone says to do but I’m confused when people say “emergency fund” is that what that general savings is for or should I have another vault for emergencies? And if so, then what else am I saving that money for?