Savings Runway Calculator
Find out exactly how much you need saved before quitting your job to freelance full-time. Get a personalized savings target based on your real expenses.
Monthly Expenses
Rent/mortgage, insurance
Electric, internet, phone
Groceries, dining out
Car, gas, transit
Healthcare, subscriptions, etc.
Current Freelance Income (Optional)
If you're already earning from freelancing, this reduces your net monthly burn.
Your Current Savings
How much do you currently have saved for your freelance runway?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much savings do I need before freelancing?
Most experts recommend 6-12 months of living expenses. This gives you a financial cushion while building your client base. If you already have freelance income, you may need less since your net monthly burn is lower.
What is a freelance runway?
Your runway is how many months you can cover expenses without income. Calculate it by dividing your savings by monthly expenses (minus any current freelance earnings). A 6-month runway means you can survive 6 months with zero clients.
How can I reduce my savings requirement?
Start freelancing part-time while employed to build income. Cut unnecessary expenses. Secure 2-3 clients before quitting. Have a backup job option. Each of these reduces the risk and the runway you need.
Where should I keep my runway savings?
Use a high-yield savings account (HYSA) that's separate from your daily checking. This keeps funds accessible for emergencies while earning interest and preventing accidental spending.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Your actual financial needs may vary based on location, lifestyle, health insurance costs, taxes, and other individual factors. Consider consulting a financial advisor.