An emergency fund is money kept aside for unexpected situations like medical bills, job loss, or urgent repairs. It prevents you from turning to expensive debt in a crisis.
A good target is three to six months of your essential expenses. If your income is irregular, aim closer to the higher end of that range.
Start small. Even saving a fixed percentage of your income every month builds up faster than you expect, and consistency matters more than the amount.
Keep the fund in a separate, easily accessible account that you do not use for daily spending. This separation helps you avoid dipping into it casually.