06/16/2026
"How much cash should I keep on the sidelines?" is one of the most common questions we hear — and the answer depends on where you are in life.
While you're still working: 3–6 months of essential expenses in an accessible, stable account is a common target.
Once you're retired: we often look at 1–2 years of planned spending in stable assets. The goal is simple — a down market should never force you to sell investments at the worst possible time to cover next month's bills.
Cash isn't about chasing return. It's about buying yourself the freedom to stay invested through volatility and the peace of mind to sleep at night.
Not sure where your reserve should sit? That's part of what a good plan sorts out.