Personal finance experts crow on and on about how crucial it is to save up a reserve fund to help you survive a job loss or financial disaster. Deciding exactly how much to set aside, however, is a matter of philosophies and resources.

An easy way to play with the numbers is to try a calculator geared to help you discover how long your savings will last. Bankrate and Money-Zine, among many other sites, offer tools to help you figure out a savings goal.

It’s important that a reserve fund is quickly accessible. Although it’s tough to find high-yield savings accounts these days, it’s best to park the money somewhere where it will collect at least some interest.

Emergency savings calculator [Bankrate via Financially Smitten]

Emergency fund calculator [Money-Zine]

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