In the 50-30-20 budgeting framework, emergency savings are typically categorized under the Savings portion, which is the 20% of net income allocated for saving after meeting needs and wants. Specifically, the emergency fund is a form of short- to medium-term savings and is kept separate from daily expenses to ensure liquidity in case of unexpected events. If you’re adapting the 50-30-20 rule, consider your emergency fund as a dedicated savings bucket within that 20% allocation, separate from debt repayment or long-term investments if you want clearer visibility for emergencies. Some guidance suggests aiming for three to six months of essential expenses in this fund, though the exact target can vary based on job security, expenses, and risk tolerance.
