When it comes to financial planning, one of the most common questions is, "What is the recommended amount to have in an emergency fund?" According to Adam Nash, CEO and co-founder of Daffy, a not-for-profit community built around a new, modern platform for giving, the answer is at least three months of your living expenses.
Adam, who has taught “Personal Finance for Engineers” at Stanford and served as the Former President and CEO of Wealthfront and Former Vice President of Product & Growth of Dropbox, explains that an emergency fund is a separate account where you put money aside in case of an emergency, like a large expense or a disruption to your primary income.
The most likely reason you would need an emergency fund is if you lose access to your primary income or lose your job. In the U.S., it takes about three to six months on average to find another job that pays the same as a job that you've lost. Therefore, having at least three months of your living expenses in an emergency fund ensures that you can still make your rent and other necessary expenses if you lose your job and can't replace your income right away.
While setting up an emergency fund is a crucial step towards financial security, it's also important to consider other aspects of financial planning, such as giving. This is where Daffy comes in. As a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), Daffy simplifies your giving process. You can easily donate to almost every US public charity, track tax-deductible contributions, and access donation receipts all in one place. Plus, Daffy waives all membership fees for members with less than $100 in their fund, so you can get started today for free!
In conclusion, having an emergency fund is a key part of financial planning, and Daffy is a great option for those looking to incorporate giving into their financial strategy.