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How big should my emergency fund be?

Enter your essential monthly costs and how many months you'd like covered. You'll see your target and how long it will take to get there. Free, no sign-up, and nothing you type leaves your device.

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Your emergency fund target
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Fill in your essential costs to see your target.
Target–
Already saved–
Still to save–
Months to get there–
Sinking Funds Tracker spreadsheet

Saving for more than one thing?

The Sinking Funds Tracker spreadsheet gives each goal its own pot (an emergency fund, car, holidays), shows what to save each pay and whether you're on track. Excel and Google Sheets. No app, no sign-up, no subscription.

AU$9.90
See it on Etsy

How it works

The sum

Your essential monthly costs multiplied by the number of months you want covered. Then what you've already saved comes off, and the rest is divided by what you can add each month (rounded up to a whole month).

How many months?

There's no single right number. People with steady jobs and no dependants often aim lower; people who are self-employed, on one income, or have dependants often aim higher. Start with one month. It's a useful first milestone.

Keep it separate

An emergency fund works best in its own account, so it isn't spent by accident. This is a planning tool, not financial advice.

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