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Does SIZE Matters ?
Last year, I got the call no one wants to receive.
"We're restructuring the department..."
My stomach dropped.
I had just signed a lease on a new apartment and committed to a family vacation. The timing couldn't have been worse.
But here's the thing - I slept soundly that night.
Why?
Because years earlier, I'd built an emergency fund that bought me 6 months to find the RIGHT next opportunity, not just the first one that came along.
That breathing room is priceless.
But how much do you actually need?
Speaking of smart financial moves, I recently came across something interesting I thought you might want to know about.
While researching investment options for my emergency fund overflow, I discovered a fascinating company in the smart home space.
This Smart Home Company (RYSE) has grown 200% year-over-year.
Just as Ring and Nest transformed security and climate control, RYSE is doing the same for window shades.
With $10M+ in revenue, presence in 127 Best Buy locations, and expansion into Home Depot planned for 2025, they're positioned to dominate the smart shade market.
What caught my attention was their patented retrofit technology that makes automation easy with no costly replacements needed.
The smart home market is booming, and their public offering is currently live at $1.90/share.
If you're interested in diversifying your portfolio while their growth trajectory is still early, you might want to
They're even offering up to 25% in bonus shares for early investors.
Now, back to protecting your financial foundation...
Does SIZE Matter? (When It Comes to Emergency Funds, Absolutely)
I've noticed something interesting when talking to successful entrepreneurs and executives in our community - there's massive confusion about emergency fund sizing.
Some follow the old "3-6 months of expenses" rule without questioning if it actually fits their situation.
Others keep practically nothing liquid, betting everything on their income stability or investment returns.
Both approaches can be dangerous.
Your emergency fund isn't a random number - it's a strategic calculation based on your unique risk profile.
Let me break down a framework I've developed after advising hundreds of high-performers on financial security:
1. The Basic Safety Net (3-6 Months)
For those with maximum stability and minimum responsibility, this level might be sufficient:
You have a highly stable job in a recession-resistant industry
No dependents rely on your income
Your lifestyle is adaptable (you could quickly cut expenses if needed)
Real Example: My friend Mark works as a senior engineer at a major utility company. He's single, rents a modest apartment, and could easily downsize if needed. His 4-month emergency fund has been adequate for over a decade.
Implementation Tip: If you're in this category, keep your fund in a high-yield savings account that's separate from your daily checking.
This prevents accidental spending while earning some interest
2. The Moderate Cushion (6-9 Months)
This middle ground is appropriate for:
Semi-stable employment (good job but in a volatile industry)
1-2 dependents who rely on your income
Modest lifestyle with some fixed commitments
Real Example: Jennifer runs marketing for a tech startup.
She has a child and a mortgage.
During the last economic downturn, her 8-month emergency fund was crucial when the company went through layoffs - giving her time to land a better position than she would have found in a desperate search.
Implementation Tip: Consider splitting this larger fund between a high-yield savings account (for immediate access) and a short-term CD or Treasury bills for slightly better returns on the portion you're less likely to need immediately.
3. Maximum Security (9-12+ Months)
This level is essential if you have:
Unstable income sources (business owner, freelancer, startup employee)
3+ dependents relying on your financial support
A lifestyle with significant fixed expenses or commitments
Real Example: Carlos owns a custom furniture business with seasonal fluctuations.
With three children and a non-working spouse, his 12-month emergency fund has been activated multiple times during industry downturns, allowing him to maintain his business rather than close shop during temporary setbacks.
Implementation Tip: With a fund this size, consider a tiered approach: 3 months in high-yield savings, another 3-6 months in short-term liquid investments, and the remainder in slightly higher-yield options that can be liquidated within a week if needed.
Beyond the Basics: Emergency Fund Optimization
What many financial advisors won't tell you is that your emergency fund calculation should also factor in:
Your network strength - Strong professional connections can reduce job transition time
Auxiliary income streams - Side businesses or passive income reduce dependency on your primary source
Insurance coverage - Comprehensive disability and health insurance might allow for a smaller cash reserve
The most sophisticated wealth builders I know revisit their emergency fund sizing annually, adjusting as their life circumstances change.
Conclusion: Calibrate Your Financial Safety Net
Take 15 minutes this week to calculate your true monthly expenses (not your income - your actual required spending).
Then multiply by the appropriate factor based on your situation.
If there's a gap between what you have and what you need, start allocating a percentage of each paycheck toward closing it.
Even an extra 1% of your income directed to your emergency fund will compound dramatically over time.
Remember: An emergency fund isn't just financial protection - it's the foundation that allows you to take calculated risks elsewhere in your wealth-building journey.
What's your current emergency fund status?
Hit reply and let me know if you're under-protected or over-liquid.
I read every response and love helping subscribers optimize this crucial wealth foundation.
To your wealth,
Be Wealth Operators
TOGETHER WITH RYSE
This Smart Home Company Grew 200% Year-Over-Year…
Ring and Nest transformed security and climate control—now RYSE is doing the same for window shades.
With $10M+ in revenue, 127 Best Buy locations, and expansion into Home Depot in 2025, RYSE is positioned to dominate the smart shade market. Their patented retrofit technology makes automation easy—no costly replacements needed.
The smart home market is booming, and RYSE’s public offering is live at $1.90/share. Invest now before their next phase of growth.
Past performance is not indicative of future results. Email may contain forward-looking statements. See US Offering for details. Informational purposes only.
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