Guide
How much emergency fund: the number depends on your stability
The standard answer — three to six months of expenses — is a starting point, not a rule. The right amount depends on your income stability, dependents and safety nets: a salaried worker and a freelancer face very different risks. Match the months to your situation, then build the fund one scheduled transfer at a time.
- Months by stability
Salaried: 3–6 months. Freelance: 6–12. The number follows the risk.
- Dated milestones
See the fund cross each milestone — one month, three months — on the calendar.
- Scheduled transfers
A recurring transfer on payday builds the fund without willpower.
- Progress projection
Know exactly when the fund reaches its target at the current rate.
Match the months to the risk
| Situation | Suggested target |
|---|---|
| Stable salary, dual income | 3 months |
| Single income, stable job | 4–6 months |
| Freelance or commission income | 6–9 months |
| Irregular income, no safety net | 9–12 months |
Build it in stages
- Start with a $1,000–2,000 starter fund.
- Add a monthly transfer — even small — on payday.
- Watch the projection for the date you cross three months.
- Top up after windfalls: tax refunds, bonuses, third checks.
Frequently asked questions
How much emergency fund should I have?
Three months of expenses for stable income, six for single-income households, and up to twelve for freelancers or irregular income.
Where does the fund sit?
Separate from your spending account — a savings account the calendar tracks as a goal.
Is it free to track?
Yes — goals and scheduled transfers are free forever.
The months matched to your life
Free core, one-time Pro, no bank linking.