1Start with your essential costs
Add up one month of rent, food, utilities, transport, insurance and minimum payments. That is the number to multiply.
2Three months or six
Three months suits steady pay and two incomes. Six suits pay that varies, one income or a family that relies on you.
3Savings by age means retirement
Fidelity's guideline is 1x your salary by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, 8x by 60 and 10x by 67. That counts retirement accounts, not cash.
4Most people are still building
In the Federal Reserve's 2025 survey, 63% of adults would cover a $400 surprise with cash or its equivalent, like a card paid off in full. Starting from zero, $500 is a real first goal.
How to do it in Oaktally
Knowing the target is step one. Oaktally keeps the goal next to your bills, so you see if this month leaves room for it.
- Make an emergency fund goalIn Plan, add a goal and type your target, like three months of essentials.
- Choose a paceMonthly amount shows when you reach it. Target date shows what to save each month.
- Watch the ring fillAdd money as you save. The ring shows how far along you are.
Try it with your numbers
Enter your monthly costs and how many months you want covered.
Work out your emergency fundFrequently asked questions
How much should I have in savings at 30?
Three to six months of essentials in an emergency fund, and retirement savings near one year of salary by Fidelity's guideline. Start from where you are.
Where should I keep my emergency fund?
In a separate savings account you can reach in a day or two, apart from your spending money.
Further reading
Federal Reserve: Savings in 2025 (Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households) ↗Fidelity: How much do I need to retire? ↗CFPB: Building an emergency fund ↗Educational examples, not individual financial advice.
