Sinking Funds List for 2027

A sinking funds list for 2027: 20 common irregular expenses to save for monthly, with how to set amounts and a free calculator.

What a sinking fund is

A sinking fund is money you set aside a little each month for an expense you know is coming, so it does not land on a credit card.

20 categories to consider

  1. Christmas and holiday gifts
  2. Birthdays
  3. Car insurance (if paid yearly or every 6 months)
  4. Car repairs and maintenance
  5. Registration and license fees
  6. Home or renters insurance
  7. Home repairs
  8. Medical and dental costs
  9. Vacation and travel
  10. Back to school
  11. Clothing
  12. Annual subscriptions and memberships
  13. Pet care and vet visits
  14. Phone or laptop replacement
  15. Property tax (if not escrowed)
  16. Weddings and events you are attending
  17. Kids' activities and sports fees
  18. Holiday travel
  19. Furniture and appliances
  20. Charitable giving

Setting the amount

Estimate the yearly cost, then divide by the months left until it is due. The free sinking funds calculator does the math for several funds at once.

Start small

Pick the 3 to 5 that hurt most when they show up, then add more. Fit them into your 2027 budget.

Bundle: the 2027 Fresh Start Finance Bundle ($15) has the 2027 Annual Budget, 2027 Net Worth Tracker and Tax Document Organizer spreadsheets. Bought separately they are $22. Made with AI assistance.
Plan the year in one sheet: the 2027 Annual Budget & Sinking Funds Planner ($7) tracks every fund by month. It is also in the Money Planner Bundle.

Questions

How many sinking funds should I have?

Start with 3 to 5 for your biggest irregular costs and add more over time.

Where should I keep sinking fund money?

Many people use a separate savings account, sometimes with sub-accounts or a tracker for each fund.