Appropriate Emergency Fund

James and Lisa are married, both age 40, with two children. They have the following monthly expenses:

  • Mortgage: $2,500
  • Utilities: $400
  • Groceries: $1,000
  • Car loans: $600
  • Insurance premiums: $500
  • Discretionary spending: $900

They both have stable jobs and contribute equally to a combined gross income of $190,000/year. According to CFP Board recommendations, how much should James and Lisa keep in their emergency fund?

  1. $6,000
  2. $15,000
  3. $30,000
  4. $50,000