If Your Income Stops, How Long Can Your Funds Last?
Job loss, a career change, a leave of absence, or closing a business can happen to anyone. When it does, the first question is: "How many months can I survive on what I have right now?" This calculator divides your available funds — emergency savings plus other savings — by your net monthly burn rate, which is your monthly expenses minus any expected income like unemployment benefits. If your expected income covers or exceeds your expenses, it shows that your funds won't shrink at all.
For example, with $30,000 in funds, $3,000 in monthly expenses, and $1,000 in unemployment benefits, your net burn is $2,000 and your funds would last about 15 months. Keep in mind that unemployment benefits are capped in both weekly amount and duration by most states, so plan separately for after they run out. A common guideline is to keep 3-6 months of expenses as an emergency fund, and 6 months or more if your income is unstable or your field tends to have longer job searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide available funds by your net monthly burn (expenses minus expected income). $30,000 in funds at a $2,000 net burn lasts 15 months.
Yes, while you're receiving them. Most states cap both the weekly amount and duration, so plan separately for after benefits end.
3-6 months of expenses is a common guideline. If your income is unstable or job searches in your field run long, aim for 6 months or more.
※ Your actual survival period depends on spending changes and benefit duration. This is a reference estimate only.