Build your cash safety cushion.
Choose a reserve target, see how much you already cover, and estimate when your emergency savings could be fully funded.
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Your reserve milestones
View month-by-month path +
| Month | Projected savings | Funded |
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This projection does not include interest earned. If your emergency savings earns interest, actual progress may be slightly faster.
How Much Should You Keep in an Emergency Fund?
Start with essential monthly expenses and choose the number of months you want your reserve to cover. This calculator treats that as a planning target, not a recommendation that applies to everyone.
What Counts as Essential Expenses?
Consider costs you would still need to pay during an income disruption, such as housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, transportation, minimum debt payments and necessary medical expenses.
Where to Keep an Emergency Fund
Emergency savings generally need to be accessible and relatively stable. Depending on current rates, fees, insurance eligibility and account terms, a high-yield savings account can be one option.
Related: Read the Emergency Fund Guide and use the HYSA Interest Calculator.
For educational purposes only. Your appropriate reserve depends on your personal circumstances.
Want to understand the assumptions behind this tool? See our Calculator Methodology →