Savings Challenges and Budget Habits
Sinking fund calculator.
A sinking fund is money set aside in small steps for a known future expense. List each expense with its cost, what you already have and when it is due. See what to put aside each month and each paycheck for each one and for all of them together. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
Your funds
What to set aside
Fill the form and press Calculate.
Worked example
Car repairs $1,200 due in 12 months with nothing saved = $100.00 a month. Holiday gifts $600, $100 saved, due in 10 months = $50.00 a month. Annual insurance $1,800, $300 saved, due in 6 months = $250.00 a month. Together $400.00 a month, $4,800.00 a year, which is $184.62 per paycheck if paid every two weeks (26 times a year).
How it works
For each fund, per month = (target - already saved) / months until due. Totals add the funds together. Per paycheck = total per month x 12 / paychecks per year (weekly 52, every two weeks 26, twice a month 24, monthly 12).
No interest is assumed, so a fund held in an interest-bearing account will need slightly less. If you want interest included for one goal, use the savings goal by date calculator.
Sources and basis (opened 2026-10-08): arithmetic on the numbers you enter. No prices, rates or national averages are assumed.
FAQ
What is a sinking fund?
Money you set aside a little at a time for a specific expense you know is coming, such as car repairs, gifts, insurance or a trip.
How do I calculate a sinking fund?
Subtract what you have saved from the cost, then divide by the months until it is due. Add up the amounts for each fund to get your total monthly set-aside.
How much should I set aside per paycheck?
Multiply the monthly total by 12 and divide by how many paychecks you get a year. For the example that is $184.62 every two weeks.
Does a sinking fund earn interest?
This tool assumes none. Interest would lower the amount needed slightly.
What if I am already past the due date or fully funded?
A fund that is already fully funded shows $0.00. Months until due must be at least 1, so for a bill due right now treat it as due next month.