How much should you have saved for emergencies? It depends on your expenses, job stability, and risk tolerance.
Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers some of the highest FDIC-insured savings rates — no minimum balance.
Open a Marcus High-Yield Savings Account →3 months: Minimum baseline for stable W-2 employees with dual household income.
6 months: Standard recommendation. Covers job loss, medical emergencies, or major repairs.
9-12 months: Recommended for freelancers, self-employed, or single-income households. Your income is less predictable — a bigger cushion protects against dry spells.
See which 2026 federal bracket your income falls in
Which gives self-employed workers more?
Short-term vs long-term rates + NIIT
True cost to hire in NY with taxes & benefits