Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash One medical bill. One job loss. One car breakdown. That's all it takes to turn a stable financial life upside down. Yet according to a recent survey, nearly 60% of Indians don't have enough savings to cover even 3 months of expenses . An emergency fund isn't a luxury — it's the foundation of every sound financial plan. If you've been meaning to start one but don't know where to begin, this guide breaks it down into simple, actionable steps. Quick Takeaways An emergency fund should cover 3 to 6 months of essential expenses Start small — even Rs 500/month builds the habit Keep it in a high-interest savings account or liquid fund — not FDs or stocks Automate your savings so you never "forget" to save If an emergency hits before your fund is ready, short-term personal loans can bridge the gap Step 1: Calculate How Much You Actually Need The standard advice is "save 3-6 months of expe...