30 sinking fund ideas
You don't need all of these. Look at last year's statements, then pick the three to five that caused the most stress. Each one turns a big bill into a small, regular amount.
Car
- Car repairs and maintenanceOngoing
- TiresEvery few years
- Car insurance (if paid yearly or every 6 months)Every 6 or 12 months
- Registration and inspectionYearly
- Next car down paymentLong-term
Home
- Home repairsOngoing
- Appliance replacementOngoing
- Property taxes (if not escrowed)Yearly or twice a year
- Homeowners or renters insuranceYearly
- Moving and depositsWhen you move
Family
- Back-to-schoolYearly
- Birthdays and partiesThrough the year
- Kids' activities and sportsBy season
- Summer camp or childcareYearly
- Pet care and vet billsOngoing
Health
- Medical and dental co-paysOngoing
- DeductibleYearly
- Glasses and contactsEvery year or two
- PrescriptionsMonthly or ongoing
Bills that aren't monthly
- Annual subscriptions and membershipsYearly
- Professional dues and licensesYearly
- Tax prep or a tax billYearly
- Domain names, software, warrantiesYearly
Life and fun
- Holidays and giftsDecember, and through the year
- VacationYearly
- Weddings and celebrationsAs invited
- ClothingBy season
- Electronics replacementEvery few years
- Charitable givingThrough the year
- Hobbies and eventsThrough the year