XLSXMoney & Markets
Emergency Fund Calculator
Work out how much of a buffer you actually need, based on your real fixed costs and how quickly you could replace your income.
Who it's for
Anyone deciding how much cash to hold before investing anything.
What's in it
- A fixed-cost worksheet
- A months-of-runway calculator
- Scenario columns for job loss, income cut and a one-off shock
- A monthly contribution plan to reach your target
What it helps you do
- Replace a vague rule of thumb with a number that fits your situation
- See how many months you are actually covered for today
- Know when you are ready to move money toward longer-term goals
Questions
Is three to six months the right answer?
It depends on how stable your income is and how fast you could replace it. The calculator is built so you can test that rather than assume it.
Educational use only. This resource is a general template for learning and planning. It is not personalised financial, accounting, tax or legal advice, and it does not guarantee any outcome. Check anything important against your own circumstances and a qualified professional. Full disclaimer.
Read alongside it
Why prices moved before your salary did
Inflation is usually explained as "prices going up". That framing hides the part that actually affects you: prices and incomes do not move at the same speed, and the gap between them is where the damage happens.