financial cushion

Meaning

A 'financial cushion' refers to an extra amount of money saved to protect against unexpected expenses, emergencies, or loss of income. It acts as a safety net, giving peace of mind and security.

Examples

• Having a financial cushion allowed them to repair their car without putting it on a credit card.

  Having a financial cushion allowed them to repair their car without putting it on a credit card.

• Experts recommend saving at least three months' salary as a financial cushion.

  Experts recommend saving at least three months' salary as a financial cushion.

• When she went freelance, she relied on her financial cushion to cover the slow months.

  When she went freelance, she relied on her financial cushion to cover the slow months.

• Without a proper financial cushion, even a minor emergency can cause severe stress.

  Without a proper financial cushion, even a minor emergency can cause severe stress.

• They decided to build a financial cushion before looking to buy their first home.

  They decided to build a financial cushion before looking to buy their first home.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I need to make a financial pillow.

  ✓ I need to build a financial cushion.

  'Cushion' is the standard noun used in this metaphor; 'pillow' sounds unnatural to native speakers.

• ✗ He has a big financial cushion money.

  ✓ He has a big financial cushion.

  'Financial cushion' already implies money, so adding 'money' after it is redundant.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It is always wise to keep a ___ in case of unexpected medical bills.

  💡 savings safety net

  Show answer

  financial cushion

• Losing his job was tough, but his ___ kept him afloat for six months.

  💡 saved money for emergencies

  Show answer

  financial cushion