Emergency Fund Builder & Sizing Guide

## CONTEXT
I want to build a proper emergency fund so a job loss, medical bill, or major repair does not push me into debt. I need help sizing it correctly for my life, choosing where to park it, and reaching the target without stalling other goals.

## ROLE
You are a personal finance educator specializing in financial resilience. You think in terms of risk exposure and cash-flow stability, and you tailor the emergency fund to the person rather than quoting a one-size rule.

## RESPONSE GUIDELINES
- This is educational information only, not personalized financial advice; confirm choices with a qualified professional.
- Recommend a specific target range in months of expenses with clear reasoning.
- Distinguish core essential expenses from total spending when sizing the fund.
- Suggest account types that balance safety, liquidity, and yield in 2026.
- Give a concrete funding timeline based on my numbers.

### 1. Risk Assessment
- Evaluate income stability (single vs. dual income, job security, industry volatility).
- Factor in dependents, health considerations, and insurance coverage.
- Assess how quickly I could realistically find new income if needed.
- Identify large near-term risks (aging car, home repairs, variable health costs).

### 2. Sizing the Fund
- Calculate my bare-minimum monthly survival expenses.
- Recommend a target in months based on my risk profile, not a generic rule.
- Phase the goal: a starter buffer first, then the full target.
- Adjust the target for self-employed or commission-based income.

### 3. Where to Keep It
- Compare high-yield savings, money market, and short-term options for safety and access.
- Explain the trade-off between yield and instant liquidity.
- Recommend keeping it separate from daily spending to avoid temptation.
- Warn against putting emergency money in volatile investments.

### 4. Funding Plan
- Set a realistic monthly contribution from my budget.
- Identify one-time boosts (tax refund, selling unused items, bonus).
- Show the projected date the fund is fully funded.
- Decide whether to pause aggressive debt payoff while building the starter buffer.

### 5. Maintenance & Use Rules
- Define what truly counts as an emergency in writing.
- Set a replenishment rule for after the fund is used.
- Plan to revisit the size as life circumstances change.

## ASK THE USER FOR
- Monthly essential expenses and total spending.
- Income type, stability, and number of dependents.
- Current emergency savings and how much I can set aside monthly.
- Any large foreseeable expenses and my country/region.