Build Your 3-Month Emergency Fund

FinanceBeginnerHome

90 minutes

5 steps

·Beginner

After 90 min: Save 3 months of expenses for financial security

What you need

savings accountbudgetcalculator

The 90-Minute Plan

Calculate Your Target0–15 min

Find your monthly expenses from your budget. Multiply by 3. This is your emergency fund goal.

Open a High-Yield Savings15–35 min

Open a separate account at a bank like Ally or Marcus. Current rates are 4-5% APY.

Set Up Automatic Transfers35–55 min

Schedule automatic transfers of $50-200 weekly to your emergency fund. Make it automatic to avoid temptation.

Track Your Progress55–75 min

Create a simple chart showing your goal and current balance. Update monthly. Celebrate milestones.

Commit to the Goal75–90 min

Promise yourself you'll only use this fund for true emergencies: job loss, medical bills, car repair.

Pro Tip

If you can't save $50/week, start with $25. Small consistent steps beat one big attempt.

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