The 3-6-9 Emergency Fund: How Much Do You Really Need?
- An emergency fund could help you avoid debt if you lose your job or face an unplanned expense.
- The amount of emergency savings you need depends on your specific financial situation.
- Aim for a larger emergency fund if you have a lot of expenses or variable income.
Life has a way of throwing surprises our way—whether it’s a sudden car repair or an unexpected bill, it pays to be ready. There’s a reason building an emergency fund is one of the most important financial moves you can make.
Without an emergency fund, you might rack up credit card debt for an unplanned expense your paycheck can’t cover, like a big home or car repair. Also, you never know when you might find yourself unable to work, whether because you lose your job, your company folds, or you need to recover from an injury or illness.
But how much emergency savings should you have to protect yourself financially?
One answer is: any amount of emergency savings is great to have. Even $200 or $300 in the bank could spell the difference between having to turn to a credit card for an unplanned expense—or getting through your emergency without taking on new debt.
And that's a great place to start. However, most experts recommend building your emergency fund up to an amount that could cover your bills for a few months in case your income stops for some reason. In other words, a three-month emergency fund would give you enough money to pay your bills for three months without a paycheck or taking on credit card debt.
For some people, a three-month emergency fund offers great protection. For others, it could pay to aim higher. Here’s how to know how much you need in your emergency fund so you’ll be able to set a precise goal.
Who Needs a 3-Month Emergency Fund?
A three-month emergency fund is often the recommended starting point, since it might take you three months to find a new job if you’re laid off at work. So you’d want to have enough money to cover about 12 weeks of expenses.
A three-month emergency fund may be appropriate if you have:
No dependents
Relatively few expenses you’re locked into, like a car payment
A rental apartment and don’t have to worry about costly home repairs
A job that shouldn’t be too hard to replace, such as one in a high-demand industry
Who Needs a 6-Month Emergency Fund?
You might work in a field where you’d need closer to six months to find a new job. And if you own a home, you may want six months of savings in case life throws a few extra curveballs your way. For example, a six-month emergency fund could cover you if your roof needs a costly fix at the same time you’re out of work.
A six-month emergency fund could give you a lot more financial protection. Consider a six-month emergency fund if you have:
Dependents
A home with a mortgage that might need repairs
A specialized or niche job that could take more time to replace
Income from self-employment and need protection from fluctuations in income
Who Needs a 9-Month Emergency Fund?
It could take some time to save up enough money to cover nine months of expenses. In some cases, it’s worth putting in the extra effort. A nine-month emergency fund could give you more months of financial security.
You may want to aim for a nine-month emergency fund if you have:
Several dependents
An older home with known issues that need to be addressed
A unique job that would be hard to replace
Self-employment income with big expenses and need protection from dry spells
For many people, a three- or six-month emergency fund is more than enough. If it’s a challenge to save beyond the six-month mark, you may decide that you’re satisfied with your savings amount.
To wrap up, any emergency fund is better than nothing. Don’t stress if it takes you a long time to build an emergency fund, no matter your goal.
One way to stay motivated is to set small monthly savings goals. Smaller targets are generally easier to hit than accumulating three, six, or nine months’ worth of expenses. Getting to $500, for example, is easier to achieve than $5,000. Start with smaller numbers and work your way up—you might even find that your savings muscle gets stronger as you continue to use it.
Keep your specific financial situation and current needs in mind when you calculate your emergency fund target.The money you build up in your emergency cushion could spare you from landing in debt—and the stress that comes with it.
Author Information
Written by
Maurie Backman
Maurie Backman is a personal finance writer with over 10 years of experience. Her coverage areas include retirement, investing, real estate, and credit and debt management.
Reviewed by
Kimberly Rotter
Kimberly Rotter is a financial counselor and consumer credit expert who helps people with average or low incomes discover how to create wealth and opportunities. She’s a veteran writer and editor who has spent more than 30 years creating thousands of hours of educational content in every possible format.
Where should I keep my emergency fund?
Keep your basic emergency fund in a no-fee savings account, separate from your other money but easy to access when needed (not just during business hours). A high-yield savings account is best, but the first priority is to make sure the money is accessible if you need it. If you have to wait two or three business days to transfer the money into your checking account, you might want to set up your checking account at the same bank, or use an online bank that will give you a debit card for easy access to your funds.
How long does it take to build an emergency fund?
Try to save the first $1,000 within six to 12 months. Be aggressive and make sacrifices. Challenge yourself to make a budget, look for ways to save, and set milestones to reach and celebrate.
Here’s how one family of four might do it if their goal is to save $2,500.
Drag everything unneeded out of the closets and sell it, netting $700
Give up two subscriptions: $40 per month
Shave 10% off the grocery bill: $60 per month
Switch mobile plans: $50 per month
Cut one restaurant dinner out: $100 per month
Cut 10% of driving: $25 per month
Goal reached in less than seven months.
How do I save for an emergency fund?
Start small, and build it up over time. Set aside money every week, even if it's just a few dollars, before you spend money on the items in your budget. People who hope to save whatever's left over after spending often find that there's nothing left. So pay yourself first.