An emergency savings account is a valuable resource for long-term financial planning, but there’s no exact rule for how much you should have saved. While an emergency fund that can cover three to six months of your living expenses is the common rule of thumb, some financial advisors argue for more, especially for retirees.
An emergency fund becomes even more important if you are navigating job instability or about to leave your job for good. The ideal target depends on your financial situation, time horizon and more.
Must Read
Why rule of thumb can fall short near retirement
The three-to-six month threshold can fall short for many people who are approaching or in retirement because they're nearing a time in which they won’t have the paycheck they’ve grown accustomed to.
They may also be preparing to spend more on traveling and health care costs, which are rising faster than general inflation. Plus, they don't want to be in a position where they're forced to sell investments at a market low.
Age-adjusted targets
One way to navigate the optimal amount to store in an emergency fund is to set age-adjusted targets. For instance, having up to 12 months’ worth of expenses saved in an emergency savings account from ages 50-62 may be able to serve as a sufficient bridge leading up to Social Security eligibility. If you remain employed past 62, you can delay your Social Security benefits and live off your savings for a bit after you retire to ensure higher payouts.
Early retirees who are 62-70 years old may want to consider saving closer to one to three years’ worth of expenses. This large cash buffer decreases the likelihood of having to sell investments during downturns.
As you get older, you may want to set aside a separate emergency fund for healthcare costs. Medical bills can rack up quickly, and you never know how much you will need. It’s better to save for this scenario than to be caught by surprise.
Where People Are Investing Right Now
Where to keep your emergency fund
A high-yield savings account is a solid spot to keep an emergency fund, with some offering near 4% annual percentage yields (APYs). Money market accounts also have more competitive yields than traditional savings accounts.
While both of those accounts offer easy access to your cash, they have variable interest rates. If the Federal Reserve decides to cut rates, your savings accounts can be immediately affected. That’s why some people also buy Treasury bills to lock in rates — though keep in mind you can’t access your principal until the bond matures.
One strategy you can use is to keep enough money in your high-yield savings account to cover immediate needs. That way, you have instant access to some of your cash. Then, you can put some money into a T-bill ladder to lock in high rates.
