Emergency Fund Calculator
Estimate buffer, savings rate, and status — tailored to your situation.
The calculator estimates your individual emergency buffer based on monthly expenses, income and employment type. The result shows the recommended target range, your current position and how long it will take to reach the goal at a chosen savings rate.
Emergency Fund Calculator
Estimate buffer, savings rate, and status — tailored to your situation.
Net (after taxes / deductions).
Essential monthly expenses
Cash / instant-access savings.
Recommended savings rate
Suggestion: 366 € (11%) of net income (adjustable).
0–35% (rule of thumb).
Note: Rule-of-thumb calculation. Not legal or tax advice.
Why self-employed people need a larger buffer
For permanently employed workers, the rule of thumb is a buffer of three to four net monthly expenses. Self-employed professionals, freelancers and business owners should plan for six to nine months — because no employer continues paying during illness, revenues fluctuate, and unexpected tax payments can arise. GmbH managing directors who need to manage both personal and business liquidity should treat the two buffers separately. An undersized emergency fund can force you to liquidate investments or pension contracts prematurely — often at significant cost.
How to hold your emergency fund
The emergency fund does not belong in an investment portfolio or hard-to-access savings products. Instant-access savings accounts (Tagesgeld) are the right choice: immediately available, deposit-protected and currently offering comparatively attractive interest rates. Revisit the size of your buffer after salary changes, transitioning to self-employment, or significant changes in expenses.