5 Steps to Creating an Emergency Fund

Whether it’s a car breakdown or a leaky roof, unexpected events can quickly take a financial toll. Keeping a reserve of cash on hand in case of an emergency can be useful.

However, many people find it challenging to prioritize emergency  savings. A 2024 Bankrate survey found that only 44% of Americans could cover a $1,000 emergency from their savings. Furthermore, 63% of respondents say rising inflation is causing them to save less in their emergency funds now.¹

Saving small amounts today could help you in the future. Here’s how to create and maintain an emergency fund.

What is an emergency fund?

An emergency fund is money you set aside for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills, home repairs or job loss. Your emergency fund should be separate from your day-to-day cash to make sure the funds are there when you need it.  

Why do I need an emergency fund?

Having an emergency fund can help you avoid taking on unplanned debt or drawing down savings you’ve put aside for other goals, such as retirement. For example, borrowing or taking money out of your retirement accounts to cover an unexpected expense can be the start of a financial hole that is difficult to dig out of. Even if you have a high income or keep a large running balance in your checking account, you still could benefit from having an emergency fund. 

How much should an emergency fund be?

A good rule of thumb for emergency savings is having enough to cover three to six months’ worth of expenses. The amount you may need can vary depending on if you have a number of dependents (you need more) or a spouse with a job (you may need less), or wealthy parents you can ask for help (again, you’d need less). If you have one income, are self-employed or have a family to support, you may want to save more. 

How do I set up an emergency fund?

For many, building—or maintaining—an emergency fund can feel challenging. Follow these steps to get started:

1.   Consider using a basic savings account or money market account. Ideally it can be linked to your checking account. You want the money accessible in a day, but not in an instant. You want this money to stay safe and liquid. It should not be invested in stocks or even bonds, where it may be subject to market risk.²

2.   Look for an account that pays you back. Some high-yield savings accounts offer an annual yield on your deposits.  

3.   Start small. You don’t have to set aside a full six months of expenses up front. Consider setting up automatic transfers from your paycheck until you reach your target.

4.   Only tap the account for true emergencies. This could include a fender bender, losing your job, a burst pipe or a large medical bill.

5.   Replenish the account if you draw on the funds. Once you’ve made it through an emergency, prioritize rebuilding the account so it will be there the next time you need it.

Even if you don’t incur an unplanned expense for years, you’ll still benefit from knowing you have a comfortable cushion in the event of an unexpected expense.

Footnotes:

¹ Bankrate’s 2024 Annual Emergency Fund Report, June 20, 2024 https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/emergency-savings-report/#more-emergency-savings-than-they-had-a-year-ago

² You could lose money in money market funds (MMFs). Although MMFs classified as government funds (i.e., MMFs that invest 99.5% of total assets in cash and/or securities backed by the U.S government) and retail funds (i.e., MMFs open to natural person investors only) seek to preserve value at $1.00 per share, they cannot guarantee they will do so. The price of other MMFs will fluctuate and when you sell shares they may be worth more or less than originally paid. MMFs may impose a fee upon sale or temporarily suspend sales if liquidity falls below required minimums. During suspensions, shares would not be available for purchases, withdrawals, check writing or ATM debits. A MMF investment is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or other government agency.