Emergency Cash Calculator

Last updated July 2, 2026

Emergency cash — distinct from an investment emergency fund, this refers to physical or immediately accessible liquid cash for situations where digital payment systems fail — has become a relevant planning category in the wake of major storm events, power outages, and infrastructure disruptions that have temporarily taken down electronic payment networks in affected areas. FEMA's emergency preparedness guidelines recommend households keep enough cash on hand to cover basic needs for at least three days, with seven to fourteen days of accessible cash for areas prone to extended disruptions. The recommended amount varies by household size and local prices, but a baseline of $200 to $500 for a small household covers fuel, food, and urgent supplies during a short-term disruption.

The broader emergency cash planning question — how much should be kept in a liquid, accessible savings account rather than invested — is the traditional emergency fund calculation. The standard recommendation of three to six months of essential expenses in a high-yield savings account earning current rates (currently 4 to 5 percent APY for competitive HYSA accounts) applies here. What the calculator adds is the explicit distinction between the portion that needs to be truly instant-access — a savings account with same-day withdrawal, or a modest amount of physical cash — and the portion that can be in slightly less liquid instruments like Treasury money market funds or short-term CDs, which still protect principal while earning more.

Maintain physical cash equivalent to at least three to seven days of basic expenses for genuine emergency access during infrastructure disruptions. Separately, maintain three to six months of essential expenses in a liquid HYSA or equivalent account for financial emergencies. These serve different purposes and both belong in a complete emergency preparedness plan.