Most advice says to keep three to six months of expenses set aside. That range is a fine starting point, but it hides the question that matters: three to six months of what?

Start with the essentials

Add up the costs you cannot pause. Rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, insurance, transport and minimum debt payments. Leave out subscriptions and dining out. This is your monthly floor.

Adjust for your situation

If your income is steady and you share costs with a partner, three months of your floor is often enough. If you are self-employed, a single earner, or work in a cyclical industry, aim for six months or more.

Build it in small steps

A big target can feel impossible. Set a first milestone of one month, automate a deposit on payday, and let daily interest do some of the work. Most people reach the first month faster than they expect.