A fund for when life changes your plans
How to plan a reserve for unexpected expenses.
Start with your own number
To explore a goal, think of a specific unexpected expense you want to cover. The calculator divides the remaining amount by your available months: a target of 1,200,000 with 200,000 already saved requires 100,000 monthly over ten months, excluding returns.
Check that the contribution fits
Enter that contribution in your budget and check the balance. If it is negative, adjust the term or goal and calculate again. The tool lets you compare these alternatives without recording your inputs.
An accessible reserve
The CFPB describes an emergency fund as a reserve for unplanned expenses and says its size depends on individual circumstances. It also suggests considering safety and accessibility when deciding where to keep it.
Sources and access dates
CFPB · Emergency fund ↗ · Accessed: 2026-11-03
Examples are hypothetical. This content is not individual advice. To report an error, see our corrections policy.