Rung 1 · Starter ($1,000)

• Open a separate HYSA (not your checking)
• Automate $25–$100 per payday until $1,000
• Only touch for true emergencies: job loss, medical, critical repair

Rung 2 · One month of must-pay expenses

• List rent/mortgage, utilities, food, insurance, minimum debt payments
• Total = your one-month target
• Keep climbing automatic transfers; raise amount after Rung 1

Rung 3 · Three months (or six if self-employed)

• Multiply one-month number by 3 (W-2) or 6 (1099 / variable income)
• Park in FDIC-insured high-yield savings
• Review target when housing or family size changes

Rules of the fund

• Not for vacations, sales, or investments
• Refill within 90 days after any draw
• Revisit APY quarterly — rates move