■ Savings
Emergency Fund Calculator.
Find out how much you need saved to cover life's unexpected expenses.
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What the Emergency Fund Calculator actually does.
Our Emergency Fund Calculator tells you the two numbers everyone should know: how much you need in cash reserves, and how long it'll take to build that reserve at your current savings rate.
A proper emergency fund covers 3–6 months of essential expenses — rent or mortgage, food, insurance, utilities, minimum debt payments. Not every expense, just the ones that keep the lights on if your income stops. Most people are surprised by how achievable the target actually is.
Enter your monthly expenses
to calculate your target.
For informational purposes only. Results are estimates and do not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
■ How to use it
- 01
Enter your essential monthly expenses.
- 02
Pick a coverage target (3, 6, or 12 months).
- 03
Enter what you can save monthly toward the fund.
- 04
See your target amount and time-to-goal.
■ What you'll get out of it
- Know your exact savings target in seconds.
- See how soon you'll reach it.
- Avoid going into debt when life throws a curveball.
- Sleep better knowing the buffer exists.
W-2 employees in industries with layoff risk.
Self-employed people with variable income.
Families with a single primary earner.
Common questions about this tool.
Where should I keep my emergency fund?
+−
A high-yield savings account at an FDIC-insured bank. You want it accessible within 24–48 hours but not in your checking account, where it's too easy to spend accidentally.
3 months or 6 months?
+−
3 months is the floor if you have stable income, low expenses, and no dependents. 6 months is better if you're self-employed, have kids, or work in a volatile industry. 12 months if you have very high expenses or specialized work that's hard to replace quickly.
Should I invest my emergency fund?
+−
No. The whole point is that it's available the day you need it. Investing it puts it at risk of being down 20% the exact day you're laid off — which is the worst possible time to take a loss.
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