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Understanding Emergency Funds

1What is this?

An emergency fund is money you set aside for unexpected situations like job loss, medical emergencies, or urgent repairs. It acts as a financial safety net so you don't have to borrow money or sell investments during tough times. Most experts suggest keeping 3 to 6 months of your monthly expenses in an easily accessible account.

2Why this can be confusing

  • Not knowing how many months of expenses to save
  • Confusion about where to keep the money (savings account vs. FD vs. liquid fund)
  • Uncertainty about what counts as an "expense" to calculate
  • Feeling overwhelmed when starting from zero

3Example: Priya in Mumbai

  1. 1Priya spends ₹35,000/month on rent, food, transport, and bills
  2. 2She has a private sector job (somewhat stable)
  3. 3She has no dependents
  4. 4The tool suggests: 4-6 months of expenses
₹35,000 × 4 months = ₹1,40,000 to ₹35,000 × 6 months = ₹2,10,000

💡 Priya should aim for ₹1.4L to ₹2.1L as her emergency fund. She keeps ₹50k in savings (instant access) and the rest in a liquid fund.

4How this tool helps

  • Calculates a range based on your actual expenses
  • Adjusts for job stability and dependents
  • Shows how much more you need to save
  • Suggests where to keep the money for quick access

5How to read your results

  • The "safety net target" is your recommended emergency fund range
  • The "remaining to build" shows how much more you need
  • "Where to keep it" suggests options based on accessibility
  • A wider range (e.g., 6-9 months) means your situation needs more buffer

6What this tool does not do

  • Give specific investment advice
  • Guarantee exact amounts you need
  • Replace professional financial planning
  • Consider your specific medical or insurance situation

7Frequently Asked Questions

How much emergency fund should I have?

A general rule is 3-6 months of your monthly expenses. If you have a stable government job, 3-4 months may be enough. Freelancers or those with variable income should aim for 6-9 months.

Should I invest my emergency fund?

No. Emergency funds should be kept in liquid, low-risk options like savings accounts or liquid mutual funds. The goal is quick access, not returns.

Can I use a Fixed Deposit for emergency fund?

Regular FDs have lock-in and penalty for early withdrawal. Sweep-in FDs are better as they offer FD returns with savings account flexibility.

Is ₹1 lakh enough for emergency fund?

It depends on your monthly expenses. If you spend ₹25,000/month, ₹1 lakh covers 4 months, which is reasonable. Calculate based on your actual expenses.

Should I build emergency fund before investing?

Yes. An emergency fund is the foundation. Without it, you might need to sell investments at a loss during emergencies. Build this first, then invest.

Where should I keep emergency fund in India?

Split it: keep 1-2 months in a savings account for instant access, and the rest in a liquid fund or sweep-in FD for slightly better returns.

8What to do next

  1. 1Calculate your actual monthly expenses (rent, food, transport, bills)
  2. 2Check how much you already have saved
  3. 3Set a monthly savings target to reach your goal
  4. 4Open a separate savings account or start a liquid fund SIP
  5. 5Review and adjust as your expenses change

⚠️ Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes only. It provides general guidance and is not financial advice. Please consult a certified financial planner for personalized recommendations.

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