How big should an emergency fund be?

A common starting target is one month of essential expenses, then building toward three to six months over time; use whatever target fits your situation.

What if I have to dip into it?

That's what it's for. Note the withdrawal in the margin and keep contributing to rebuild it.

Free Emergency Fund Tracker Printable

A month-by-month log for building an emergency fund. Log what you add each month and watch the running total build toward your target.

Emergency Fund Tracker
US Letter · PDF · Free, no signup

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Month	Contribution	Running Total

How to Use This Printable

Write your emergency fund target at the top of your notes.
Log your contribution each month.
Add it to the previous Running Total to get the new one.
Keep going until the running total hits your target.

Ideas for Using This Printable

Start small, even $25 a month builds momentum and a habit.
Pair with the Sinking Fund Tracker for other, non-emergency goals.
Print a fresh sheet each year to track long-term progress.

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FAQ

How big should an emergency fund be?: A common starting target is one month of essential expenses, then building toward three to six months over time; use whatever target fits your situation.
What if I have to dip into it?: That's what it's for. Note the withdrawal in the margin and keep contributing to rebuild it.