Building an emergency fund

Be prepared for life’s surprises when you build an emergency fund.

Why save an emergency fund?

An emergency fund is your safety net for life’s unexpected costs – from a broken boiler to sudden job changes. It helps ease financial stress and means you’re less likely to rely on borrowing. Unlike saving for a specific goal, an emergency fund is there for life’s surprises.

An emergency fund could help with:

  • Home repairs – from a leaky roof to a broken appliance.
  • Car costs – servicing or unexpected fixes.
  • Family needs – travelling for an emergency or supporting loved ones.
  • Pet care – vet bills and treatments.

Start small and build steadily. Even a little extra set aside can make a big difference when you need it most.

 

Starting your emergency fund

You’ll want an account that suits your needs for your emergency fund. Easy access accounts let you access your money whenever you need it. If you prefer a higher interest rate with less access, fixed accounts can help your savings grow. Just remember, you won’t be able to dip in without charges.

We offer a range of savings accounts, with minimum deposits starting from as little as £1 and easy access to your money when you need it. 

Compare savings accounts

Set your goal

There’s no set amount for an emergency fund, but setting a goal can help you stay on track. Some people aim for around 3 months’ pay to cover a gap in income. Others start smaller, with a milestone like £500 or £1,000 – whatever feels achievable for you.
 
Use our savings goal tool in our app to set a target and keep your progress in view.

Start your emergency fund goal now

How much should you set aside?

Choosing how much to save each month for your emergency fund depends on your income, expenses and what feels right for you. Regular saving is a good habit, but remember your emergency fund is there to ease financial stress, not add to it. Start with what you can manage and build from there.

A good guide is to aim to save about three months of your take home pay. This is the amount you normally earn after tax over three months.

Savings reminders

You can set your own reminders (for example, on your phone or calendar) for moments when it’s easier to save - like if you’ve got extra money left before payday, you’re expecting a refund, or a loan is due to finish soon. These prompts can help you move money into your emergency fund when it makes sense.

Smarter ways to save with your account


Your account offers helpful features, and there are also simple actions you can take yourself to make saving easier.

 

Renaming your account

You may want to name your savings account something like ‘Emergency Fund’ or ‘Emergencies’. This small change can make you think twice before dipping into it for everyday spending.

Rename your account

Spending insights

Review your spending insights to spot areas where you could cut back, and use the subscription manager to see if you’re paying for services you no longer use. Any savings could go straight into your emergency fund.

Spending insights

Spend notifications

Turn on spend notifications to stay more aware of where your money’s going, helping you make more mindful decisions day to day.

App notifications

Saving and budgeting tips

50/30/20 rule

Split your income into needs, wants and savings. This budgeting tool can provide a helpful structure to manage your monthly income.

50/30/20 rule

Savings calculator

Use the savings calculator to work out how much you’ll need to save each month to reach an amount you’d feel comfortable with as a backup.

Savings calculator

Flexible saving

Use the tools to give you an idea of the amount you can realistically save each month, and save as regularly as you can. You may find you save less during higher spend months, such as the start of the school term or going on holiday.

More saving tips

Topping up your savings

Even small amounts can make a big difference over time - and we’ve got plenty of easy ways to help you grow your savings.

Save little and often

Replace your morning coffee by saving the amount instead - £3 a day can add up to £270 in 3 months.

Round up as you spend

With Save the Change® , every time you use your debit card, we’ll round up your purchase to the nearest pound and move the difference into your savings.

Automate your saving

A standing order just after payday means your savings leave your account like any other bill - simple and stress-free.

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Get more support on a range of savings topics.

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Savings help and support

Get more support on a range of savings topics.

More savings support