Playbook
Step 3 of 7 · Stage 1 Foundation

Emergency fund

How much cash should I keep?

What this step is
Your target
Three months of expenses is the floor. Owning a home, people who depend on your income, pay that moves, medical costs, or nobody to fall back on each add three months, up to twelve.
Your balance
The cash you can spend today, measured against that target. Not retirement accounts, and not credit.
Where you’re at
Your targetNot known yetThree months of spending is the floor for everyone. Five questions decide whether yours should be higher.
Your balanceNot known yetWe need what you spend in a typical month, and how much cash you hold today.
3 questions
Recommendations
High-yield savings accountsWhere a buffer earns something while it sitsSpending benchmarksTypical monthly spend by category for your ZIP.Cost of livingThe salary you’d need in another state.
The whole playbook
Stage 1 · Foundation
First dollarsWhere do the first dollars go?Debt payoffPay it down, or invest?
Emergency fundThis pageHow much cash should I keep?
Stage 2 · Growth
Budgeting & savingsAm I keeping enough of what I make?Optimizing investingAm I leaving money on the table?Savings goalsCan I afford the house, the wedding, the car?
Stage 3 · Retirement
Retirement planningAm I on track for retirement?