YNAB Personal Budget Software & Finance Forums

[TCB]

If we have recurring expenses every few months or once a year expenses, do we save for them by budgeting a certain portion of my husband's income each month (I am a stay-at-home mom) as we try and build a buffer? Or do we build a buffer and then try to save for the known expenses? I am assuming the first because otherwise we would deplete a large portion of our buffer when the expenses occur. However, looking at our expenses (including upcoming expenses: homeowners insurance, car insurance, etc.), I don't see how we can build a buffer and save for these expenses at the same time.

[J.Mann]

If we have recurring expenses every few months or once a year expenses, do we save for them by budgeting a certain portion of my husband's income each month (I am a stay-at-home mom) as we try and build a buffer? Or do we build a buffer and then try to save for the known expenses? I am assuming the first because otherwise we would deplete a large portion of our buffer when the expenses occur. However, looking at our expenses (including upcoming expenses: homeowners insurance, car insurance, etc.), I don't see how we can build a buffer and save for these expenses at the same time.

Go with the first way.

Like you said, if you do not budget for known expenses they will deplete your buffer when they come up.

Your budget may be very tight. You might have to look for little ways you can save money...

Also, does your husband get paid every other week? If so, you could use the 3-paycheck months to help fund your buffer, etc.

There will be ways to save money... you just have to want to spend less!

[TCB]

Thank you.