Starter Cushion
A first milestone such as $500 or $1,000 can handle smaller surprises while you work toward the full target.
Estimate how much emergency savings may fit your household and how long it could take to build your safety cushion.
Keep emergency savings somewhere safe and easy to access, but separate from everyday spending. A high-yield savings account can help the money earn interest while remaining available when needed.
A first milestone such as $500 or $1,000 can handle smaller surprises while you work toward the full target.
Emergency money should generally be safe, liquid, and separate from everyday spending.
Using the fund for a genuine emergency is its purpose. Afterward, temporarily prioritize rebuilding it.