How to Magically Save for Anything Using a Sinking Fund (2024)

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Do you struggle to save for life’s big events?

Maybe you’re trying to save for a nice vacation. Maybe you’re saving for holiday gifts. Maybe you’re shooting for something smaller, like a new TV, but you keep coming up short when it is time to buy.

Trust me, we’ve all been there.

If you’re like most of us, however, you probably you kicked the can down the road and plopped that purchase on a credit card. Then, the next time something came up, you were probably a little short too. Again, you put the money on a card, and – before you knew it – you were more worried about paying off your cards than you were about saving money.

It happens.

Here’s the good news: The cycle of splurge, debt, and regret can stop today. Keep reading and learn how to save cash for anything you want by using a “magical” trick called a sinking fund!

Afford Anything with This Trick

The strategy laid out below can help you break that boom and bust cycle for good.Seriously, this is going to help you save money so you can buy almost anything you want.

With a simple shift in your savings strategy, you’ll be able to:

  • Save money for vacation
  • Save money for holiday gifts
  • Save money for a new car
  • Save money for emergencies
  • …and more

You’ll also earn quick wins, so you’re bound to stay motivated and keep moving in the right direction.

Even better, you’ll never have to put this stuff on a credit card or go into debt for it EVER again…and it takes almost ZERO effort on your part.

No more worrying. No more scraping by. Simply pay with the cash you’ve saved and move on with your life.

How would that feel? Pretty AMAZING, right?!?

How to Create a Sinking Fund

Using a sinking fund is one of my favorite ways to save fast. Although it is called a “sinking fund,” in reality, you’re not sinking anything – you’re building…and quickly!

Here’s how to start your own:

  1. Choose a specific item to save for – like a vacation, holiday gifts, or an emergency fund.
  2. Open a new savings accountto keep this money separate from your other funds (FYI, online banks are perfect for this).
  3. Give your fund a name like “Greg’s Awesome Vacation Fund,” “My Emergency Fund,” “Christmas Gift Fund,” etc.
  4. Determine how much money you need and how much time you have to save.
  5. Create anautomatic transfer(or direct deposit) to move money into your new savings fund each month.
  6. Set up as many new funds as you need and repeat the process!

Pretty easy right?

Example of a Sinking Fund

Let’s take a look at an example of how a sinking fund works.

Suppose you want to take a Caribbean vacation, and you’ve got exactly 12 months until you have to book it. After doing some research, you determine you’ll need $2,400 to pay for the entire thing.

So, youopen an online savings account, name it “vacation fund,” and set up an auto transfer in the amount of $200 per month. ($2,400/12 months = $200/month) In 12 months, BOOM, you’ll have exactly $2,400 saved for vacation…and you’ve barely lifted a finger!

How awesome is that?

Our Top Savings Account – Start your new sinking fund by using our top high-yield savings account – the UFB Best Savings Account from UFB Direct! Currently, you’ll earn an excellent 5.06% APY on your money with no minimum balance requirements. Get started here.

Sinking Funds – Why They Work

Here’s why the sinking funds trick works so well: It’s automatic. Once the sinking fund is set up, it takes ZERO effort to set the money aside. The automation does everything for you!

And, because it’s automatic, you won’t miss the money. Just like having your retirement contribution deducted from your paycheck, it’s like the money was never there to begin with. It’s saved before you get a chance to spend it!

If you’re struggling to save, a sinking fund could be a total game changer for you. I mean, imagine having money just sitting in your bank account, ready to pay for whatever you want, whenever you want it! It’s life-changing, right?

Where to Create Your New Fund

Again, online savings accounts are great for this. First, they keep your new fund separate from your other money. This means it’s less likely you’ll accidentally spend it on other things (like groceries, gas, entertainment, etc.).

Second, it’s a lot of fun – and very motivational – to watch it grow! Finally, online banks typically provide much higher interest rates than accounts at traditional brick and mortar banks.

Although any bank works, right now, we really like the UFB Direct Best Savings Account. This account currently offersa rate of 5.06% APY – which is considerably higher than interest rates at some other big-name competitors. Simply make a deposit of $100 a month (or more), and you’re golden.

You canread our complete review by clicking on the link above or open a new account and start saving here.

Sinking Funds: Final Thoughts

We all know that saving money can be difficult. To succeed, it often comes down to proper planning.

How to Magically Save for Anything Using a Sinking Fund (1)

By using our sinking funds trick, you’ll be able to save for anything you want AND pay for it in cash. Just automate the process, and the decision to save is made for you.

Why not give it a try? It just might change your life!

Open Your Savings Account Here – Open a new UFB Best Savings Account at UFB Direct Bank and earn 5.06% APY with no minimum deposit required! Get started here.

How to Magically Save for Anything Using a Sinking Fund (2024)

FAQs

How do you utilize a sinking fund? ›

A sinking fund is a strategic way to save money by setting aside a little bit of money each month.
  1. New tires for your car.
  2. Christmas gifts.
  3. Vet bills.
  4. Wedding expenses.
  5. Plane tickets.
  6. Birthday parties.
  7. School books and supplies.
  8. Clothes for a special occasion.
Apr 5, 2024

Why is a sinking fund an efficient way to save money? ›

Sinking funds are money you set aside each month for specific savings goals. They allow you to save for infrequent expenses and plan for large expenses over time. Having sinking funds can help prevent you from withdrawing money from your emergency fund or going into debt to pay for things.

What is the biggest benefit to a sinking fund? ›

Having sinking funds can help you achieve greater financial flexibility and freedom! When you're well-prepared for future purchases, you'll avoid the need to take on new debt, which could slow your debt repayment progres​s.

What is the sinking fund method of saving? ›

Wondering “what are sinking funds in budgeting?” Sinking funds are funds you set aside to save toward a significant, pre-planned goal. You save money over time instead of dipping into your checking account for a considerable chunk of cash to cover a particular purchase or event.

What is the best bank account for a sinking fund? ›

A high-yield savings account, or an HYSA, is a good option for a sinking fund since you'll have access to the money when you need it and earn a good return on your savings.

Where is the best place to keep sinking funds? ›

You could keep envelopes of money in your safe, but that can still be a little risky. Plus, liquid cash doesn't earn any interest. In many cases, it makes more sense to consider keeping your sinking funds in a high-yield savings account instead. Open a high-yield savings account now to earn more interest as you save.

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings.

Is a sinking fund risky? ›

A sinking fund is maintained by companies for bond issues, and is money set aside or saved to pay off a debt or bond. Bonds issued with sinking funds are lower risk since they are backed by the collateral in the fund, and therefore carry lower yields.

What are the disadvantages of sinking fund? ›

Sinking funds, however, also have certain drawbacks, such as the following: Slow development – saving for a significant cost might take a while, and if it takes a while to accomplish your savings target, you can become disheartened.

What are the benefits of a sinking fund? ›

Reduce Temptation: Since sinking funds help you save for a specific goal, you may be less tempted to use the money on other items or purchases. It may also make you less likely to dip into other funds (like your rainy day fund) to cover a large purchase.

How much should I put in a sinking fund? ›

To determine the amount to keep in a sinking fund, identify and list the anticipated expenses and their estimated costs. “Then, divide each expense by the number of months until it's due,” Rose said. “For example, if a $300 expense is six months away, allocate $50 per month to your sinking fund.

What is the sinking fund formula? ›

How do you calculate sinking fund? First, multiply the percentage interest by the principal amount. This will equate to the interest amount, which is then added to the principal amount. This total is the amount of money that needs to be in the sinking fund to meet the set financial obligation.

What is the main reason why the sinking fund method? ›

This method is used when the assets that need to be replaced are of high cost. To avoid paying for the replacement of assets at a time, companies maintain a sinking fund that will help them recover the cost of the asset while also accounting for its depreciation.

Is sinking fund considered cash? ›

The company would classify the bond sinking fund as a non-current asset on its balance sheet. Basically, its just cash set aside by the company to cover any bond payments it would need to make to holders of the bonds.

What is the best way to manage sinking funds? ›

The easiest way to manage your sinking funds is to set it and forget it! Meaning set up an automatic transfer, once a month, or on payday, whatever works for you. Setting up an automatic transfer means you won't have to remember to do it, and you'll be more consistent.

What is sinking fund and its uses? ›

A sinking fund is a fund that includes funds set aside or borrowed to pay off a loan or debt. A business that issues debt will have to pay off the debt in the future, and the sinking fund helps ease the burden of a significant revenue outlay.

How much money should be in a sinking fund? ›

If buying into a large strata scheme, you would expect a sinking fund to be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Equally, if you are buying into a block of six, the sinking fund could be reasonable with a balance of only $60,000, because it is a matter of proportion.

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