Understanding Sinking Funds For Better Budgeting

It's challenging to cover a significant expense in a short duration. A well-established sinking fund helps shield life's unexpected events, protects your financial goals, and promotes better budgeting.

What Is a Sinking Fund?

A sinking fund is a cash reserve in your account that holds calculated funds for future expenses. This account is separate from your regular checking, savings, and emergency fund.

Sinking Fund Vs. Emergency Fund

They have two separate structures. An emergency fund is a general fund, whereas a sinking fund is specific to the expense category.

The purpose of a sinking fund is to have enough liquid cash savings to cover anticipated expenses. A sinking fund supports costs related to life events and assets.

What Is the Purpose of a Sinking Fund?

How to Set up a Sinking Fund?

Now you've realized a sinking fund is necessary, you need to set it up separately from your checking account. Follow the three steps below to build your sinking fund.

It is the forecasted amount you may need. You don't need an exact amount, but a ballpark number should be a good starting point.

1: Determine How Much You Need And When You Need It

2: Determine Where to Store Funds

These funds must be quickly and easily available when you need them. At the same time, you don't want to pay any fees for their maintenance.

3: Determine How to Save Money

Determining how to save money for sinking funds depends on the fund type, income level, and how you generate income. The best method to build a sinking fund is through the automatically scheduled transfer of your income.

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