Khi có ai đó nói “save for a rainy day”, nghĩa là họ
muốn chừa ra, dành ra một phần cái gì đó [thường là tiền bạc] để phòng cho những khi bất trắc, rủi ro, những lúc cần trong tương lai còn có cái mà dùng. Tiếng Việt có thể hiểu là phòng hờ, để dành khi cần. English meaning: to save something for a rainy day = to save something in case you need for an unexpected situation in the future. Nhiều lúc chúng ta có thể biến đổi một chút, “keep” thay cho “save”, rainy days thay vì “a rainy day”, miễn là diễn
tả ý để dành cho những ngày khó khăn. Example:
[Tôi cảm thấy bất an nếu như không còn tiền để dành dụm phòng hờ.]
[Tôi nghĩ chúng ta không nên tiêu hết tiền, tốt hơn là để dành một ít phòng hờ.]
What is a rainy day fund?
A rainy day fund is money that’s set aside for unexpected and lower-cost expenses, like home maintenance or parking tickets.
A rainy day fund is slightly different from an emergency fund. The main differences are the size of the fund and what they’re used for. A rainy day fund is for smaller unanticipated expenses, such as buying new tires or paying to repair a home appliance. An emergency fund is reserved for unexpected events or major life changes, such as a job loss or divorce, that can have severe consequences on your finances. It’s smart to have both a rainy day fund and an emergency fund.
Expenses your rainy day fund should cover
Use your rainy day fund to cover smaller expenses — like car repairs or fixing a furnace — that could force you to open your wallet when you least expect to. Other examples include:
- Medical procedures.
- Doctor or vet visits.
- Replacing a broken windshield.
- Fixing a broken appliance.
- Vehicle maintenance.
Where to keep your rainy day fund
Keep your-rainy day fund in an account that’s easily accessible, such as a high-yield savings account. Find an FDIC-insured account that allows for quick and fee-free withdrawals. This way, you’ll earn some interest on your money but will be able to access it at a moment’s notice.
How much money to put in your rainy day fund
The recommended amount to keep in a rainy day fund is $500-$2,000. However, it will vary based on your individual circumstances. And remember: This account does not need to be as big as your emergency fund.
| Recommended savings | $500-$2,000 | 3-6 months’ living expenses |
| What it covers | Small, unexpected expenses | Large, unexpected expenses or major life changes |
| Where to keep it | High-yield savings account | High-yield savings account |
To figure out how much to put in your rainy day fund, do an assessment of what might go wrong in your life and how much it will cost to fix it.
Michael Kelly, CFA, CFP, president and founder of Switchback Financial in Madison, Connecticut, says much depends on your own personal financial situation.
“For example, if you own a house, there is a lot more that you will need to replace if broken or worn down [such as] appliances, a boiler, an A/C unit or a driveway, whereas renting this is covered. Additionally, it depends on the amount of insurance coverage you currently have. Having high deductibles on your car insurance, for instance, means you would need cash to cover that deductible and would require more on the rainy day fund.”
When forecasting for rainy days, consider the rest of your family, too. If you have children, a rainy day fund may help pick up the bill for a doctor’s visit that isn’t totally covered by insurance. It may also be used to cover the cost of a medical procedure for your pet.
What experts say about rainy day funds
Greg McBride, CFA, Bankrate chief financial analyst: “Consistent contributions to savings are essential to being prepared for all life throws at us. Because savings may fluctuate due to one-off, even relatively minor, expenses, it is important to replenish this so you’re adequately saved for unplanned expenses large or small, or even opportunities that present themselves.”
Chloe Moore, CFP, founder of Financial Staples: “If you’re unsure of what costs could be covered by a rainy day fund, make note of overlooked expenses as they occur. You can also look back at your expenses over the last year to see what costs could fall into this category. Be sure to replenish the funds after you use them so you have cash for the next time.”
Kenneth Chavis IV, CFP, senior wealth manager at LourdMurray: “A rainy day fund is essential for everyone — no matter what life stage you are in or how big your net worth. A rainy day fund, like an umbrella, provides cover for life’s inevitable rainy day. Whether it’s tomorrow or a year from now, a rainy day is bound to come, so it’s best to properly prepare for this with an adequate amount of cash in a highly liquid account.”
Malik S. Lee, CFP, managing principal and founder of Felton & Peel Wealth Management: “I am a big fan of rainy day funds because they add just another layer of protection to your nest egg. Subliminally, most Americans might already have some funds set aside for those rainy days. But in most cases, those funds are sitting in a checking account, earning nothing. By taking advantage of the higher rates inside a high-yield savings account, even your rainy day fund can see some sunshine!”