Plan and save for future expenses before they happen. Calculate monthly savings for all your goals.
Click to add common sinking fund goals
Track all your planned savings goals
Sinking funds are savings for planned future expenses. Unlike emergency funds (for unexpected costs), sinking funds prepare for things you know are coming.
Save a little each month so when Christmas, vacation, or car maintenance arrives, the money is ready!
Emergency funds are for unexpected costs (job loss, medical emergency). Sinking funds are for expected costs you can plan for (Christmas, vacation, property tax). Both are important but serve different purposes.
Start with 3-5 key funds (holidays, vacation, car maintenance). As you get comfortable, add more. Most people have 5-10 active sinking funds. Too many can be overwhelming to track.
Keep sinking funds in a high-yield savings account separate from checking. Some people use sub-accounts within one savings account, or use budgeting apps to track virtual "envelopes" within their savings.
Use a savings challenge to fill your sinking funds faster
Total Monthly Savings Needed: $0
Total Goal Amount: $0
Active Funds: 3
| Fund Name | Goal Amount | Current Saved | Still Needed | Monthly Needed | Target Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas Gifts | $1,000 | $0 | $1,000 | $100 | Sep 2026 |
| Vacation | $3,000 | $500 | $2,500 | $208 | Nov 2026 |
| Car Maintenance | $1,500 | $0 | $1,500 | $125 | Nov 2026 |
• Keep sinking funds in a separate savings account
• Automate monthly transfers on payday
• Start with 3-5 key funds, add more later
• Review and adjust quarterly
• Celebrate when you reach each goal!