Emergency fund planner

1. Monthly essential outflows.

Rent / mortgage + utilities + groceries + transport + insurance + minimum debt payments. Discretionary not included.

2. Three-month target.

First milestone. Most people aim here first.

3. Six-month target.

Sensible if income is variable, you have dependents, or you work in an unstable industry.

4. Account name + bank.

Separate from your everyday account. High-yield savings, not investments.

5. Monthly standing-order amount.

6. Date you'll hit the three-month target.

7. What you'll not use this fund for.

Holidays. Christmas. A new phone. Predictable expenses aren't emergencies.