Calculate Your Emergency Fund Target
Compare Three Transparent Scenarios
Your circumstances set the target
The target is monthly essentials multiplied by your chosen months, plus one-off emergency costs. The remaining gap subtracts current emergency savings; time to goal divides that gap by your planned monthly contribution. No employment, dependant, medical or security-risk multiplier is hidden in the result.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says the amount needed depends on the person's situation and suggests looking at common past unexpected expenses and their cost. Read the CFPB emergency-fund guide. Source reviewed 18 July 2026.
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Emergency fund questions
What belongs in monthly essentials?
Use unavoidable costs such as basic housing, food, utilities, necessary transport, minimum debt payments, essential care and required support. Keep discretionary spending separate.
What belongs in one-off costs?
Use realistic amounts for the emergencies you are planning around, such as urgent travel, temporary accommodation, an insurance excess, repairs or uncovered medical costs. Avoid counting the same cost twice.
Where should the fund be kept?
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