<prompt> Human: Hi, Ive heard over and over again to have a 6 month emergency fund saved up first before putting money anywhere else. What does this actually mean though?Is this the bare minimum that I would spend in 6 months? Like just rent bills minimal food budget? bare minimum 1200month 7300Or is this 6 months of the lifestyle I currently live? current lifestyle 3000month 18000Or does it mean something else?My savings account is at 8K right now, my goal is 10K. Im trying to figure out if I need to build it to 18K, or start investing it elsewhere.  <response>: Its just a guideline, not a law, so I wouldnt obsess over it too much. A better way to look at it is how much money would you want for 6 months. If youre ok with eating ramen and PBJs for 6 months while you look for another job then base your emergency fund on that. If you would like to maintain your current standard of living then base it on that. Some people only have a 3 month emergency fund, some people have 12 months. Theres no 100 right answer here. 