Plan your runway

#OpenToWork Runway Calculator

How long your cash lasts, as things change. Nothing is saved or sent — it all stays on this page. Change any number to see your runway update live.

Cash & income

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Cash you'd actually draw down — checking + savings.
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Walled off for a new emergency. Runway counts down to here, not to $0.
Isn't my savings the emergency fund? Isn't this the emergency?
Yes — and that's the point. The 3–6 month rule is about what to save before a job loss. This is the job loss, so that money is meant to be spent now. Spending it is the plan working.

Your reserve floor is a smaller, different number — what you keep back for:
• a second emergency while you're already out of work (car, medical, a repair at the rental);
• the gap after "yes" — a start date is weeks out, and the first paycheck weeks after that;
• leverage — cash is what lets you turn down a lowball offer instead of taking the first thing.

Many people land near one month of essentials plus a cushion for surprises. Set it too high and you'll "run out" on paper while money is still in the bank. CFPB on emergency funds →
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Not sure you'd qualify for unemployment?
Many people are surprised they're eligible after a layoff. Check your state's official rules and file at usa.gov/unemployment-benefits.
Losing job-based health coverage?
You may be able to keep it through COBRA and use FSA funds — see this FSA & COBRA guide.
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Any other recurring take-home — a partner's income, side work, etc.
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If you rent out a property, enter the amount and the month it starts coming in.

Monthly obligations

Essential living expenses$0
Can I lower these? Hardship & deferral options
Many servicers offer forbearance or deferral after a job loss — you can call just to gather information. For how it works and what to ask, see the CFPB: consumerfinance.gov — mortgage forbearance.
Want a more granular look at your spending?
Enter a ballpark to start. For a detailed view, a read-only finance tool can help review card room and payment strategies — e.g. AI for finance. Verify anything it suggests.

One-time upcoming costs

Toggle each on to see its bite. Enter only the cash part — leave out anything already paid or on points/miles.
Your savings last about
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Month by month
Sev = severance UI = unemployment pink = building cash
Where the money goes each month

This tool is for general planning and educational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, tax, or investment advice, and nothing here is a recommendation to take or avoid any action. All figures are rough estimates that simplify real loan, tax, and benefit rules. Always do your own research and consult a qualified professional — a licensed financial advisor, HUD-approved housing counselor, attorney, or your loan servicer — before making decisions. Nothing you enter is saved or sent anywhere; it all stays in your browser.