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Big costs don’t have to be emergencies if you plan for them. Build sinking funds-named mini-pots you feed a little each week so 2026 feels calm, not chaotic.
Pick your funds
Start with 3–6 pots that matter to your lifestyle: Car costs (servicing/tyres/rego/WOF), Travel, Back-to-school, Christmas/Gifts, Home maintenance, Insurance excess, Annual subs.
Size each pot
Estimate the annual total
Estimate the 12-month total for each sinking fund (be conservative).
Divide by 52
Divide the annual total by 52 to get your weekly transfer amount.
Prioritise if needed
If the weekly amount feels heavy, focus on your top three pots and start the others in three months.
Automate and label
Set weekly transfers with clear names (e.g., “Tyres & Service”).
Keep funds in a separate “Goals” or “Bills” account so they’re not mixed with tap-and-go spending.
Rules that keep it clean
Only spend a pot on its label.
If one pot runs short, borrow from another fund-never from rent/mortgage or minimum loan or credit card repayments.
Sweep any leftover at year-end to a buffer account or put towards next year’s targets.
Quarterly tune-up
Review actuals vs plan each quarter. Prices move; your transfers can too. Windfalls (tax refund, marketplace sales) go to the thinnest fund first.
Why this works
You’re turning “big scary bills” into small routine moves: no credit card scramble, fewer surprises, and a calmer head.
Start your sinking funds today
Your action right now: Set up your three weekly transfers.
If smoothing costs with a single repayment might help, get in touch with us to see if a debt consolidation loan is right for you.
Approval subject to responsible lending inquiries and affordability assessment. Normal lending criteria and fees apply. This is general information, not personalised financial advice.
