How big a cash buffer do I need with variable or irregular income?

With variable income — freelancing, commission, gig work, or seasonal business — build a larger cushion, often 6 to 12 months of essential expenses, because your reserve has to smooth out the lean months as well as cover true emergencies. A practical method is to pay yourself a steady "salary" from a holding account: in strong months you bank the surplus, and in slow months you draw on it, so your household budget stays level. Keep this income-smoothing buffer distinct from your emergency fund and from money set aside for taxes, so you always know what's truly available. Base your essential number on your bare-bones budget, not your good-month spending. Build the steady-paycheck system and reserve targets with wealthserene.com/tools/self-employed-hub.