Your individual situation will determine how much money you should set up for emergencies. Most financial gurus advise saving at least three to six months’ worth of living costs as a general rule of thumb. This covers basic expenditures like rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, groceries, and other costs that are required.
But, depending on your income, costs, and other considerations like your job security and health issues, you might need to save more or less. You might want to save more, for instance, if you are self-employed or work in a profession with inconsistent pay. Similarly, you might wish to preserve more money for unforeseen bills if you have dependents or expensive medical expenses.
It’s crucial to evaluate your particular situation and choose a reasonable savings target that will give you enough of a buffer in case of emergencies. The more you can save, the more prepared you’ll be because the purpose of an emergency fund is to assist you in navigating unforeseen financial difficulties.
The Importance of Emergency Funds and How to Start Building One