Emergency fund calculator
An emergency fund is measured in months of expenses, not in round numbers. Multiply your essential monthly spending by the number of months you want covered, enter it as the goal, and the calculator gives you the deposit.
Compare high-yield savings accounts
We explain exactly what to compare before you open anything - costs, protection and the traps.
How many months you need
Three months of essential spending is the usual minimum for a stable two-income household. Six is the common recommendation. Nine to twelve suits self-employed or single-income households, or anyone in a volatile industry.
Count essentials only - housing, food, utilities, transport, insurance, minimum debt payments. Holidays and subscriptions are not what the fund is for.
It is not an investment
The job of this money is to be there on a bad day, not to grow. Keep it in an instant-access savings account covered by your country's deposit protection scheme.
Build it before investing beyond any employer match. Being forced to sell investments during a personal crisis - which often coincides with a market one - is exactly what this fund prevents.
Frequently asked questions
How big should my emergency fund be?
Three to six months of essential expenses for most households, more if your income is variable or you are the only earner.
Where should I keep it?
An instant-access, protected savings account, separate from day-to-day banking so it is not spent by accident.
Should I invest my emergency fund?
No. It needs to be available and stable on the worst possible day, which rules out market risk.
Do I still need one if I have a credit card?
Yes. Credit is a bridge, not a fund, and limits can be cut at precisely the wrong moment.
Get the Savings Goal Plan
Your milestone dates, required deposit and the interest working alongside you.
No spam, and one click unsubscribes. We never sell your details. See our privacy policy.
Keep going
Want the Savings Goal Plan?
Your milestone dates, required deposit and the interest working alongside you.
One email, then a short weekly note. Unsubscribe any time.