Your Financial Runway
How long could you survive if your income stopped today?
Your financial runway is the number of months you can live off your savings if you were to lose your primary source of income today. It's your financial safety net, your buffer against life's unexpected turns like a job loss, medical emergency, or economic downturn.
Knowing this number is the first step towards true financial security. It's not about fear; it's about empowerment. A longer runway gives you freedom—the freedom to leave a job you dislike, to take a calculated risk on a new venture, or simply to sleep better at night.
Financial experts typically recommend having an emergency fund that covers 3 to 6 months of essential living expenses. However, the right amount for you depends on your personal circumstances.
Consider factors like job stability, dependents, and your personal risk tolerance. Someone with a very stable government job might feel comfortable with 3 months, while a freelancer with fluctuating income might aim for 12 months or more. This calculator gives you the raw number—your next step is to decide what your target should be.