Emergency Fund Calculator
An emergency fund is 3–6 months of expenses saved in a high-yield savings account. It's the foundation of any financial plan — without it, any unexpected expense becomes debt. Calculate your target and how long to build it.
Include rent/mortgage, food, utilities, insurance, and minimum debt payments. Not discretionary spending — just what you must pay to keep the lights on.
Only count savings you wouldn't touch except for a real emergency — not your checking buffer.
How much can you set aside each month toward your emergency fund?
High-yield savings accounts currently pay ~4–5% APY. Check Marcus, Ally, or SoFi for current rates.
Progress Toward Each Coverage Level
Where to keep your emergency fund
Keep it in a high-yield savings account (HYSA) — separate from your checking so it's not tempting to spend but still accessible within 1–2 business days. Don't invest it in stocks; you need it to be stable when markets are down (which is often when emergencies happen).