Safety Net Calculator

Emergency Fund

How much cash should you stash? Calculate your safety net based on your real expenses.

Read about it

Get Your Recommended Emergency Fund Duration

1. Monthly Expenses

Enter your essential monthly spending. Be honest for the best result!

£
£
£
£
£
£

2. Current Savings

£
🎉 Fully Funded! 🎉
Your Emergency Fund Goal
$0
Based on 6 months of expenses ($0/mo)
Progress 0%
$0 left to save
Monthly Savings Simulator
£
Target Duration

Why this amount?

Most financial experts recommend saving 3-6 months of essential expenses. This covers you in case of job loss, medical emergencies, or unexpected major repairs.

  • 3 Months: Good if you're single, renting, and have a stable job.
  • 6 Months: Recommended for most people (homeowners, families).
  • 12 Months: Best for freelancers, variable income earners, or high-risk industries.

What Is an Emergency Fund and Why Do You Need One?

An emergency fund is your financial safety cushion. It protects you from the unexpected moments that hit your wallet the hardest like losing a job, medical surprises, car repairs, or sudden home problems.

Instead of reaching for a credit card, you rely on cash you have already put aside. That keeps your stress low and your finances stable.

Most people aim for 3 to 6 months of essential expenses.

If your job is unstable or you're self employed, 9 to 12 months gives you more peace of mind.

This calculator breaks your real expenses down and gives you a personalised target based on the lifestyle you want to protect. No guesswork.

How to Build Your Fund Faster

Start small. Even $50 or $100 each month builds momentum.

Set up an automatic transfer into your savings account and let the habit grow.

You don't need to hit the full target overnight.

What matters is that you're moving in the right direction.

What Counts as an Essential Expense?

Your essential expenses are the core costs that keep your life functioning.

Think about:

If your income stopped tomorrow, these are the things you cannot avoid.

When Should You Use Your Emergency Fund?

A real emergency is anything unexpected, unavoidable, and necessary.

A holiday, new phone, or online shopping doesn't count.

But losing your job or covering a medical bill definitely does.

Your fund should feel like a safety net, not a spending account.