6 months is usually far too long to keep in direct cash &#x2F; savings.<p>I think 2-3 months direct cash&#x2F;savings&#x2F;checking is fine, then move excess cash to CDs or something semi-liquid. You totally CAN get money out of CDs, just sometimes lose your interest. If you have some kind of CD ladder or such going on - you can have a new CD coming out every 1-3 months anyway, which will give you the cushion you need after savings run out.