Published by Finance by Aol.com by Louis De Nicola

Short-term savings often take the form of an emergency fund -- the three to six months' worth of living expenses everyone should have in case of a layoff, family crisis, medical emergency or other misfortune. Savings can also be set aside for short-term goals or expenses that may come up in the next one to three years, such as a vacation, renovations or a car.

It's important to stash this money somewhere safe and accessible, rather than tie it up in risky investments. "You're going to need it, and you don't want it flushed away," says Chad Smith, a certified financial planner in North Carolina. "Avoid doing anything aggressive with it."

So, where should short-term savings go?

Short-term savings often take the form of an emergency fund -- the three to six months' worth of living expenses everyone should have in case of a layoff, family crisis, medical emergency or other misfortune. Savings can also be set aside for short-term goals or expenses that may come up in the next one to three years, such as a vacation, renovations or a car. It's important to stash this money somewhere safe and accessible, rather than tie it up in risky investments. "You're going to need it, and you don't want it flushed away," says Chad Smith, a certified financial planner in North Carolina. "Avoid doing anything aggressive with it."