How much do I need for emergencies?

See how large your emergency fund should be, how far your current savings will stretch, and how much you need to save each month to close the gap.

Assumptions

Current gross monthly income

Current emergency funds available

Number of months for funds to last

Number of months to accumulate funds

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Before tax return on savings ?

Table of Historic Rates of Return. Inflation 2.9%, U.S. Treasury Bills 3.3%, Long-term Government Bonds 5.0%, U.S. Large-Company Stocks 10.4%, and U.S. Small-Company Stocks 11.8%. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Source: Ibbotson SBBI 1926-2024

Marginal tax bracket ?

Table of Federal Income Brackets and Rates. Tax Rate For Single Filers For Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns For Heads of Households 10% $0 to $11,925 $0 to $23,850 $0 to $17,000 12% $11,925 to $48,475 $23,850 to $96,950 $17,000 to $64,850 22% $48,475 to $103,350 $96,950 to $206,700 $64,850 to $103,350 24% $103,350 to $197,300 $206,700 to $394,600 $103,350 to $197,300 32% $197,300 to $250,525 $394,600 to $501,050 $197,300 to $250,500 35% $250,525 to $626,350 $501,050 to $751,600 $250,500 to $626,350 37% $626,350 or more $751,600 or more $626,350 or more.

Expenses

Total monthly living expenses, if plan to itemize below then leave at 0. ?

Leave at 0 if you plan to itemize expenses below instead.

Or Itemize Monthly

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Mortgage payment or rent

Vacation home (mortgage)

Automobile loan(s)

Personal loan(s)

Charge accounts

Federal income taxes

State income taxes

FICA (social security taxes)

Real estate taxes

Other taxes

Utilities

Household repairs and maintenance

Food

Clothing and laundry

Educational expenses

Child care

Automobile expenses (gas, repairs, etc.)

Other transportation expenses

Life insurance premiums

Homeowners (renters) insurance

Automobile insurance

Medical, dental and disability insurance

Entertainment and dining

Recreation and travel

Club dues

Hobbies

Gifts

Major home improvements and furnishings

Professional services

Charitable contributions

Other and miscellaneous expenses

Enter your values and select Calculate.

The fund needed figure is your target: enough to cover your monthly expenses for the number of months you chose. It does not tell you whether that number of months is the right cushion for your situation — that depends on job security, health, and how many people depend on your income. Six months is a common starting point, not a rule.

Two inputs move this result the most: your monthly expenses (or the itemized list, if you used it) and the number of months you want the fund to last. A higher expense total or a longer coverage window both push the target up directly, so if the number looks larger than expected, those are the first two places to look.

The lump sum and monthly savings figures assume a steady rate of return and a fixed timeline to reach your goal. They don't account for taxes on interest beyond the bracket you entered, inflation eating into future expenses, or a change in income or expenses between now and your target date. Treat them as a planning estimate, not a fixed schedule.

It's worth revisiting this calculation whenever your income, expenses, or savings balance changes meaningfully — a raise, a move, a new loan payment, or simply once a year as a checkup. Having any estimate at all puts you ahead of not having one, and even a small monthly contribution toward the gap adds up faster than it seems.

This information may help you analyze your financial needs. It is based on information and assumptions provided by you regarding your goals, expectations and financial situation. The calculations do not infer that the company assumes any fiduciary duties. The calculations provided should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. In addition, such information should not be relied upon as the only source of information. This information is supplied from sources we believe to be reliable but we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Hypothetical illustrations may provide historical or current performance information. Past performance does not guarantee nor indicate future results.