I apologize for saying simple math in a kind of an “absolute” way but I meant it in a “math” sense that I know my expenses and as well how long of a “cushion” I need to feel like I can FU out of a bad situation (or if get into a bad situation beyond my control). I also know my known expenses are just that - known expenses but of course there is always the unknown. But I am guessing adults could ballpark a figure that will get them through X number of months
No problem. Now that you mention it, I find it incredible that many people I know wouldn't be able to tell how much they're spending on what. Not even ballpark it. This is the first thing to start with and is incredibly easy to do, if you choose to. Whether you call it FU money or emergency or something on the side or whatever, you at least need some numbers.
And we're not talking about wealthy people here but the ones who complain that there's nothing left when there's an interest rate increase. I don't know maybe it's the crowd I hang out with. Or maybe they are actually wealthy and just don't want to say it.