Emergency Fund Calculator
An emergency fund is the foundation of financial security — the buffer that stops a surprise from becoming a disaster. Before investing or chasing other goals, this comes first.
How big should it be?
The standard guideline is 3 to 6 months of essential expenses. If your income is stable and you have job security, 3 months may be enough. If you are self-employed or your income varies, aim for 6 months or more.
| Monthly expenses | 3 months | 6 months |
|---|---|---|
| R12,000 | R36,000 | R72,000 |
| R18,000 | R54,000 | R108,000 |
| R25,000 | R75,000 | R150,000 |
Try it with your own numbers:
Calculate your safety net →Where to keep it
Your emergency fund must be safe and accessible — not invested in the stock market where it could drop right when you need it. Good options: a money market account, a 32-day notice account, or a separate high-interest savings account. Keep it apart from your everyday account so you are not tempted to spend it.
How to build it
- Start with a R10,000–R20,000 mini-fund as quick protection
- Automate a monthly transfer until you hit your target
- Bank windfalls — bonuses, tax refunds, 13th cheques
- Top it back up immediately after using it
Work out your exact target and timeline with the emergency fund calculator, then build it into your monthly plan with the budget planner.