Emergency Fund Calculator
Determine the ideal emergency fund size for your household.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Target fund = monthly essential expenses × months of cover.
Your estimate
Target emergency fund
R 120 000
Still need to save
R 90 000
Progress
25.0%
Current months of cover
Based on saved amount
1.5
Building your emergency fund
An emergency fund covers unexpected expenses — job loss, medical bills, car repairs — without resorting to high-interest debt. Financial advisers typically recommend 3–6 months of essential expenses.
Keep emergency savings in an accessible, low-risk account such as a money market fund or high-interest savings account. Avoid investing emergency funds in volatile assets.
Start with a smaller goal such as one month's expenses, then build gradually. Any emergency buffer is better than none.
Frequently asked questions
How many months of expenses should I save?+
Three months if you have stable employment and dual income. Six months or more if self-employed, single income, or in a volatile industry.
Where should I keep my emergency fund?+
In a separate, easily accessible account — not mixed with daily spending. Money market funds and notice deposits offer modest returns with quick access.
Should I pay off debt or build an emergency fund first?+
A small emergency fund (e.g. one month) first prevents new debt during crises, then aggressively pay high-interest debt, then complete your full emergency fund.
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