The Covid-19 induced shutdown of the world economy has proven to be a painful validation of something that financial planners have been preaching for years: Every household should endeavor to build up an emergency fund. This sum, which must be held in a liquid, low-risk account (and not exposed to the whims of the financial markets), should be sufficient to cover household expenses for a period of three to six months. Obviously, difficult times call for difficult measures, and the monthly household budget used to estimate the required amount can be at an austere standard of living. Likewise, commissioned salespeople, investment bankers, and others with varying incomes and tenuous job security are usually encouraged to aim for the higher end, or even exceed the monthly coverage period.