General financial advice often suggests three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund — a reasonable starting point, though solo agers have a few extra reasons to lean toward the higher end.
Why solo agers may need more
- Paid help (a driver, a temporary aide, a handyman) that a spouse or child might otherwise provide for free
- No second income to fall back on during a gap
- Potentially higher near-term costs if a health event requires immediate paid support before insurance or benefits kick in
Keep it genuinely accessible
A true emergency fund should be liquid — a savings or money market account, not tied up in investments that could require selling at a loss during a downturn.
Revisit the target amount yearly, especially as health needs or living situations change.
This article is general information, not financial advice. Discuss your specific emergency fund target with a financial planner.