Emergency Fund Calculator

Enter your essential monthly expenses. See how big your emergency fund should be — and how long it'll take to build. Free, no signup.

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The 50/30/20 rule puts 20% of every paycheck toward savings like this. Use the free calculator, or get the spreadsheet that tracks it.

Free 50/30/20 calculator →

How much should an emergency fund be?

A common rule is 3 to 6 months of essential expenses — the things you'd still have to pay if your income stopped: housing, food, utilities, insurance, minimum debt payments. Start with a $1,000 starter fund, then build to the full amount.

Where should I keep it?

Somewhere safe and accessible — a high-yield savings account, separate from your checking so you're not tempted to spend it. It's insurance, not an investment.

Estimates for planning only. Not financial advice.