SINKING FUNDS FOR BEGINNERS (2024)

Sinking funds - only something I had started using approximately 18 months ago when I had signed up to Monzo and was able to set up pots. Sinking funds are a great way to save up for any large expense. It's definitely something I'm glad that I started doing as spreading the cost has made things a lot easier than trying to find money in one go.

If you are wanting to get started with sinking funds and have no idea where to start than this guide for beginners is for you. I'll be explaining all the basics including what a sinking fund is, benefits of them as well as how to create one.

SINKING FUNDS FOR BEGINNERS (1)

What is a sinking fund?

A sinking fund is a way of saving money by putting away a set amount each month for the purpose of being used at a later date. It means you are saving small amounts over a set period of time instead of needing to find money all in one go. This is a great idea for those things that you know are coming up and won't be able to afford from one month's income and also saves you having to go into debt.

You can set up a sinking fund for any financial goal you may have. I have four different sinking fund categories at the moment although this may change - mine are:

- Summer Holiday

- Back to school

- B's Birthday

- Christmas

Sinking fund/savings /emergency fund

A sinking fund is a way of saving but should be separate from your savings and emergency fund. A savings account is where your savings go and sinking funds are how you save your money.

Sinking funds are also different from an emergency fund.A sinking fund is for those expenses you know are coming and can plan ahead for - such as for your home insurance, back to school, Birthdays, Christmas or even for things such as saving for a new sofa.An emergency fund, on the other hand, is for unexpected expenses. Examples include: damage to home like needing a new roof, car repairs from an accident, medical emergencies etc.

Benefits of sinking funds

Everyone can benefit with having sinking funds. Saving for the school summer holidays, need new glasses or a new sofa, no problem. Sinking funds mean you won't need to use your credit card where you end up paying for months instead you have saved up and can use cash for these purchases.

How to create your sinking funds

Now you know more about sinking funds it's time to start creating them. Personally I think that more than six sinking funds would be too much to juggle, so bear that in mind.

1. Decide what you are saving up for

Having goals in mind will help you to mange your sinking funds properly. Things to consider are:

How much you need, when do you need/want it by and make sure you automate your payments.

2. Decide where you are going to store your sinking fund

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post I use Monzo for mine as I can divide my sinking funds into different pots. I've heard that Hyperjar is another option for managing sinking funds although I've not used this myself. Another option is to open a new savings account just for sinking funds.

3. Calculate how much you need to save

When creating your sinking fund/s you will need to decide how much you need to save. Once you have worked out how much you need, divide this by the number of months you have left to save. Then you will know how much you need to budget for each month. For example if you want to save £500 for Christmas and have 10 months to do so than you divide £500 by 10 which works out as £50 a month to put aside.

4. Include your sinking funds in your budget

Sinking funds only work if you budget for them. Include your sinking fund categories when planning your monthly expenses and allocate an amount you can afford.

5. Monitor your sinking funds regularly

Monitoring your sinking funds regularly means you can adjust payments as needed especially if your financial circ*mstances change.

SINKING FUNDS FOR BEGINNERS (2024)

FAQs

How do I get started with sinking funds? ›

How to Create a Sinking Fund
  1. Step 1: Decide what you're saving up for. An Alaskan cruise, a down payment on a house, Christmas presents, or a wedding reception. ...
  2. Step 2: Decide where you're going to store your sinking fund. ...
  3. Step 3: Decide how much you need to save. ...
  4. Step 4: Set up your sinking fund in the budget.
Apr 5, 2024

What is a reasonable sinking fund? ›

A sinking fund can also be set up by private landlords; simply by putting aside a certain amount of the rent received each month. When calculating the amount to be contributed, it is common for landlords to put aside anywhere in the region of five to ten percent of the rental income to allow to be used.

What is the best account for a sinking fund? ›

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.

How much should you put in your sinking fund? ›

The amounts you save in your sinking funds can be small or large – it's really up to you. Plan to spend $600 on holiday gifts next year? Then you'll add $50 per month to a sinking fund. Want to set aside 1% of your home's value for maintenance and repairs?

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.

Who pays for sinking funds? ›

The idea behind sinking funds is for the owners' corporation to have enough emergency money to pay for any future works that need to be completed. Each owner pays for the sinking fund through regular contributions.

What are the disadvantages of a sinking fund? ›

However, there also may be some potential disadvantages to sinking funds:
  • Complicated: Managing multiple sinking fund accounts may become time-consuming and confusing.
  • Low returns: Money kept in sinking funds may earn minimal interest.
Mar 14, 2024

What is the formula for the sinking fund? ›

The sinking fund formula is typically calculated as S= (P * i) / (1 - (1 + i)^-n). This formula helps businesses determine the amount of money they need to set aside periodically to cover the total amount due at the maturity of their debt.

What is a sinking fund Dave Ramsey? ›

The idea for personal finance sinking funds was popularized by Dave Ramsey. Sinking funds are basically when you save for a certain event or goal monthly so you don't have a big expense all at once. You can have them for basically anything that you know you'll have to buy eventually.

What is the 50-30-20 rule? ›

The 50-30-20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should dedicate 20% to savings, leaving 30% to be spent on things you want but don't necessarily need.

Who benefits from 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 an example of a sinking fund? ›

Example of a Sinking Fund

(XOM) issued $20 billion in long-term debt in the form of bonds. Interest payments were to be paid semiannually to bondholders. The company established a sinking fund whereby $4 billion must be paid to the fund each year to be used to pay down debt.

How much to put into a sinking fund? ›

One way is to take your savings goals and divide them by the time in which you hoped to save that amount of money. For example, if you wanted to save up $1,000 for a family vacation within a year, you could put about $83 into your vacation sinking fund every month for a year.

How do I choose a sinking fund? ›

Before you start your sinking fund, decide what goal or goals you're saving for. Once you know what you're saving for, decide how much you need for this purchase and create a timeline for reaching this goal.

How long does a sinking fund last? ›

A sinking fund forecast or plan is a detailed report prepared by experts outlining expected future capital expenses and maintenance over a specified period, usually 10 years.

What are sinking fund requirements? ›

A Mandatory Sinking Fund Redemption is a requirement (determined at Pricing) that the Issuer redeem, usually annually or semiannually, portions of the Principal amount of the related Term Bonds in accordance with a schedule, called a sinking fund installment schedule at a price equal to such Principal amount of the ...

Does a sinking fund make money grow over time? ›

A sinking fund is a tool to help you save for irregular expenses over time. Like other line items on your budget, you allot a specific amount of money each month for your sinking fund. But instead of spending that money each month, the fund grows over time until you're ready to spend it.

What is the sinking fund method? ›

The sinking fund method is a technique for depreciating an asset while generating enough money to replace it at the end of its useful life. As depreciation charges are incurred to reflect the asset's falling value, a matching amount of cash is invested. These funds sit in a sinking fund account and generate interest.

Do I have to pay into a sinking fund? ›

It depends on what your lease agreement says. If it states that contributing to a sinking fund is compulsory for all leaseholders you will either have to participate or rethink whether or not you wish to purchase the flat.

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