All topics · Step 2: Build your cushion

Emergency fund.

Find out how big your safety cushion should be, and when you'll get there. About 30 seconds.

Free tool

Emergency fund calculator

$
Rent, bills, food, transport and minimum debt payments.
Your situation
$
$
Your target

$0
Starter goal
Still to save
You'll get there

Keep it in a separate savings account you can reach in a day or two, not in stocks.

Want to build this step by step, with a tracker?See the Cushion Kit ($9)

Change any number and the result updates. Nothing you type leaves your device.

Remember

Three things to know.

Count must-pay costs

Only what you'd still pay if your income stopped: rent, bills, food, transport, minimum debt payments.

Multiply by months

costs × 3 to 6. More if you're self-employed or the only earner at home.

Start with one month

One month of costs is your starter goal. Hit that, clear expensive debt, then grow it to the full target.

Lessons

20 lessons, 30 seconds each.

One idea per video. Swipe to see them all.

New lessons every week on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.

Go further

Tools for this topic.

Optional. Everything above stays free. Pay once, download instantly, keep forever.

Free · instant download

The Start Here Kit

A one-month spending tracker and a $1 a day savings challenge. Works in Excel and Google Sheets. Free to share.

Get it free
Questions

Good questions.

Should I build this before paying off debt?
Build the starter goal first, about one month of costs. Then put spare money on expensive debt like credit cards. Once that's gone, grow the cushion to the full target.
Where should I keep it?
In a separate savings account that's insured (FDIC in the US) and easy to reach in a day or two. Not in stocks: markets can drop 30% or more right when you need the money.
Does a credit card count as an emergency fund?
No. Paying for an emergency with a card turns a one-off bill into debt that grows with interest.
I used it. Did I fail?
No. That's what it's for. Refill it the same way you built it: a fixed amount every payday.