People with few recurring expenses and no human dependents can put aside less for emergencies. Take Eva. She’s single and has no kids, though she does have a large dog. They live in a one-bedroom apartment in Seattle. Each month, she chips away at her $25,000 in student loans.

Eva aims to save 3 months of expenses.

$1,852
Rent
+
$254
Groceries
+
$73
Pet
+
$288
Student loan
+
$500
Other
= $2,967 x 3 months = $8,901

Sources: Zillow, March 2017; USDA, 2017; ASPCA, 2016; 6.8% interest rate & 10-year repayment; Bankrate.com

Homes, cars and kids come with regular expenses, so people with these responsibilities should aim to save more. Take the Lims: Based in Phoenix, they have three kids and two cars, and since both parents work, they pay for child care.

The Lims want their rainy day fund to cover 6 months of expenses.

$1,527
Mortgage
+
$1,205
Groceries
+
$1,426
Cars
+
$402
Kids
+
$1,142
Other
= $5,702 x 6 months = $34,212

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017; USDA, 2017; AAA, 2016 

Families with one income should be prepared to cover expenses for longer than 6 months. Take the Spiro family. With one car and no child care costs, they have fewer expenses, but with just one breadwinner, they want a bigger cushion.

The Spiros’ savings goal is 9 months of expenses.

$1,766
Mortgage
+
$766
Groceries
+
$713
1 car
+
$847
Other
= $4,092 x 9 months = $36,828

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2017; USDA, 2017; AAA, 2016