How much should your emergency fund be — and how long will it take to get there? Enter your numbers to find out.
Your Monthly Expenses
Include essential expenses only — what you must pay to keep the lights on and your family fed. Not discretionary spending.
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$
$
$
$
$
Your Situation
Savings Progress
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$
Your Emergency Fund Plan
Monthly Essential Expenses
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Target Emergency Fund
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Remaining to Save
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Time to Reach Goal
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Start with $1,000. If you have nothing saved, your first goal is a $1,000 starter fund. That handles most car repairs, medical copays, and small emergencies without going to a credit card. Then build to your full target.
Where to Keep It
Your emergency fund should be:
Accessible — available within 1–2 business days, not locked in a CD or invested in stocks
Separate — not your everyday checking account (too easy to spend)
Earning something — a high-yield savings account (HYSA) or money market account at KCCU
Do not keep your emergency fund in stocks, bonds, or any investment that can lose value. The whole point is that it's there when you need it.
Once You Hit Your Target
When your emergency fund is fully funded, redirect those savings dollars to your next priority:
Contribute enough to your KC 401(k) to capture the full employer match (5% to get the full match)
Pay off high-interest debt
Fund a Roth IRA ($7,000/year limit for 2025)
Save for specific goals (home down payment, car replacement)
