Emergency Fund
How much cushion do you need for the things you can't schedule, and when could you have it?
An emergency fund is money set aside for surprises: a car repair, a lost shift, an unexpected bill. A common starting target is three to six months of core costs, the bills you would still have to pay if your income stopped. Many people start with a smaller starter fund of $500 to $1,000 and build from there.
Rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, insurance, transportation and minimum debt payments. Not your full lifestyle spending.
Your target
$0
3 months × $0
Still to go
$0
Time to get there
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Enter your core monthly costs to see your target.
* Where to keep it: most people keep an emergency fund somewhere safe and easy to reach, like a separate savings account, so it isn't spent by accident and can be used quickly. This is a simulation to help you see the possibilities, not financial advice. Learn more in Money Made Clear, Book 1, Lesson 1.5.
