Emergency Fund Calculator

Phase 1: Build a starter fund

$1,000–$2,000

Before aggressively attacking debt, have a small cushion. This prevents new debt from unexpected small expenses (car repair, vet bill).

Phase 2: Pay minimums + build simultaneously

1 month of expenses

Split extra money between building your fund and making extra debt payments. Slow on both — but you're covered if something goes wrong.

Phase 3: Hit your full emergency fund goal

3–6 months of expenses

Once funded, you can redirect every dollar of savings toward debt with confidence. No more emergency-driven credit card charges.

Phase 4: Full-throttle on debt

Debt freedom

Emergency fund is full. Now every extra dollar attacks debt. This is where the avalanche or snowball kicks in at full power.