Glossary Finance

Emergency fund

An emergency fund is cash set aside for unexpected costs such as job loss or repairs, commonly three to six months of essential spending.

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In more detail

For $3,000 of monthly spending, a six-month target is $18,000. Keep it in an accessible savings account, not in investments that can fall when you need the money.

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See also

  • Glossary Net worth
    Net worth is the total value of everything you own (assets) minus everything you owe (liabilities).
  • Guide How Debt Payoff Strategies Work
    Avalanche versus snowball on one worked example with real totals, why minimum payments take so long.
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