I want to share the system I use for irregular but large expenses that aren't quite emergencies — car maintenance, home repairs, medical, dental.

I keep a spreadsheet with five sinking funds categories and their target balances:

• Home (target $6,000): covers HVAC service, plumbing, appliances
• Car (target $2,000): tires, maintenance, unexpected repairs
• Medical (target $3,000): deductible coverage, dental, vision
• Travel (target $4,000): trips planned and unplanned
• Misc (target $1,000): anything that doesn't fit elsewhere

All in one HYSA account; I track balances in a spreadsheet. Total target: $16,000 at all times. When a fund drops below target, I prioritize topping it up.

This system means I've never gone into debt for a home repair or medical bill since I set it up. Every 'surprise' expense was actually planned for in aggregate. The specific item was unpredictable; the category wasn't.