How much should you have in savings before you quit a job?

Before you quit your job, find out how much money you should have in savings and plan for life after a job change.

The amount of savings you should have before quitting your job will depend on your individual circumstances, but most people tend to have 6 months worth of salary as a backup and a buffer.

Do I need to adjust the amount of savings upward or downward in my situation?

There are a few key factors to consider, including your current income, your monthly expenses, and your long-term financial goals. These can affect how much more or how much less money you need to safekeep before you quit a current job.

Allocate money so you can continue to feed yourself and do normal things.

First, you'll want to make sure that you have enough savings to cover your essential expenses for at least a few months.

This will give you some cushion to allow you to search for a new job without worrying about how you'll pay your bills.

Make sure you are not living paycheck to paycheck and have some savings to fall back on.

Consider the difficulty in getting a new job.

You may also want to consider factors such as the job market in your area, the availability of jobs in your field, and rarity of work (some jobs are hard to come by) before deciding how much savings you should have before quitting.

Emergency fund should be separate from the savings for quitting a job.

Emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, such as a car breakdown or medical bill can suddenly be incurred. Do you have money for this? And what if there are two back to back emergencies - can you affored to pay for them?

Clear your debts entirely even if they are small amounts.

Some people have high levels of credit card debt or other forms of consumer debt.

But regular people who have small debts such as a monthly payment plan for a phone, washing machine and second-hand car may think they are safe.

But they are not.

Debt racks up quickly and reducing your income to zero will put you in a panic when you realise the clock is ticking on you.

Also ensure that you control spending and do not consistently spend more than you earn. If you do so, then you will be unable to save any money each month.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the right amount of savings will vary depending on your individual circumstances, so it's important to carefully evaluate your own financial situation and create a plan that works for you.

It may be helpful to speak with a financial advisor or planner who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and goals.

Subscribe to Interview Question

Don’t miss out on the latest issues. Sign up now to get access to the library of members-only issues.
jamie@example.com
Subscribe