An emergency fund is your financial safety net for unexpected expenses or job loss. Financial experts recommend saving 3-6 months of expenses. Use this calculator to see if your emergency fund is adequate and how long it would actually last in a crisis.
Account for rising costs (3.1% annually)
Start with $1,000, then build to 1 month, then 3-6 months of expenses
High-yield savings accounts earn 4-5% APY while keeping funds accessible
Calculate based on essential expenses only (rent, food, utilities, insurance)
Review and adjust annually as expenses change
Keep emergency fund separate from checking to avoid spending temptation