From Panic to Prepared
Why Every Mom Needs an Emergency Fund
Life as a mom comes with a very special kind of unpredictability. One minute, you’re nailing bedtime and crushing your to-do list. The next? The washing machine gives up during potty training week, your toddler flushes your iPhone, and oh look—flat tire on the way to music class.
Enter: the emergency fund.
What Is an Emergency Fund?
Think of it as the backup onesie in the diaper bag. You hope you won’t need it, but you’re so glad it’s there when the blowout hits.
An emergency fund is a cash reserve you set aside specifically for unexpected, “oh-no” moments. It helps you handle surprise expenses—like medical bills, car repairs, or sudden job loss—without going into panic mode, credit card debt, or full meltdown.
How Much Should You Save?
Rule of thumb: 3–6 months of essential monthly living expenses.
That means the must-haves—mortgage or rent, groceries, insurance, child-care—not the “that patio set is 30% off” kind of spending.
For example:
If your bare-bones monthly expenses = $3,000, then your emergency fund should be $9,000–$18,000.
A little overwhelmed? Totally normal. Take a breath and start small.
Start contributing any excess cash you have to your fund each month. Build from there. Progress is progress.
Where to Keep Your Emergency Fund?
Not in your regular checking account. I repeat: not in your regular checking account.
Instead, park it in a high-yield savings account. Here’s why:
Out of sight, out of mind (so you’re not tempted to tap it for that unexpected Sephora haul)
Earning interest (hello, free money doing absolutely nothing)
Just make sure it’s easy to access when you actually need it—but not so easy that it becomes your go-to DoorDash fund.
Peace of Mind Is Priceless
Building an emergency fund is one of the most empowering things you can do for your future self. It turns, “Oh no, what now?,” into “I’ve got this.”
Next time life throws a curveball, you’ll be ready—with a plan, a cushion, and your sanity.
Mom Brain Recap
Your emergency fund = your backup onesie
Aim to save 3–6 months of essential expenses
Start small—one month at a time is still a win
Store it in a high-yield savings account (not your regular checking!)
Rest easy knowing surprise expenses won’t derail your financial goals or your mental health.
Need help understanding how much to stash in your emergency fund? Don’t worry—there’s a calculator for that. Download the free SheWealth Emergency Fund Calculator in the Resource Garden and take the guesswork out of prepping for life’s “just in case” moments.