🚨 Emergency Fund Stress Test
Test if your emergency fund can handle life's unexpected challenges
Emergency Fund Analysis
Months Covered
0
Recommended Fund
$0.00
Shortfall
$0.00
Stress Test Score
0%
Fund Adequacy
📊 Your Grade
-
Stress Test Scenarios
| Scenario | Estimated Cost | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Job Loss (6 months) | ~$18,000 | - |
| Medical Emergency | ~$5,000 | - |
| Major Car Repair | ~$2,000 | - |
| Home Repair | ~$3,000 | - |
💰 How Much Do You Need?
- Minimum: $1,000 to start
- Standard: 3-6 months of expenses
- Conservative: 6-12 months (self-employed, unstable income)
- +1 month per dependent for extra safety
🏗️ How to Build Your Fund:
- Start small: Save $1,000 first (easier goal!)
- Automate it: Set up automatic transfers on payday
- Use windfalls: Tax refunds, bonuses, side income
- High-yield savings: Keep it separate, earn 4-5% interest
- Don't touch it: Only for TRUE emergencies
✅ What Counts as an Emergency?
YES:
- Job loss or reduced hours
- Medical/dental emergency
- Urgent home/car repairs
- Emergency travel (family emergency)
NO:
- Vacations or travel
- Shopping sales or "good deals"
- Gifts or celebrations
- Wants vs needs
🚫 Where NOT to Keep Emergency Funds:
- Stock market: Too volatile, can drop 30-50% when you need it
- Locked CDs: Can't access without penalties
- Crypto: Extremely risky and volatile
- Regular checking: Too easy to accidentally spend
Best choice: High-yield savings account (liquid, stable, FDIC insured)
Emergency fund content – 2000+ words on building, sizing, where to keep, real scenarios…