Sometimes, a big bill gets the drop on you, and all your careful planning and budgeting can\u2019t compensate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These expenses might feel like they\u2019ve crept up<\/a> out of nowhere, but in reality, you\u2019ve probably known they were coming for a long time. That\u2019s why making a big bill calendar is smart \u2014 you\u2019ll stop yourself from needing to lean on credit when those big expenses come up. And when you plan ahead, you\u2019ll have plenty of time to save for them, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A big bill calendar is simply a list of essential-yet-infrequent expenses, mapped out across the year. Instead of focusing only on what\u2019s due this month, it zooms out to show what\u2019s coming over the next 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve ever had an expensive tax bill, paid for back-to-school costs or bought Christmas gifts, you know that these irregular expenses<\/a> can stress your budget (and even land you in debt).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your list can be as specific or general as needed \u2014 and could even include events that you\u2019d like to save up for, like a vacation or special occasion. What matters most is that you\u2019ve laid out what needs your resources, and when. Now, you\u2019re ready to make a plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Scan your bank statements or credit card history for large, non-monthly charges that you expect to pay again this year, Write down how much that bill was, and an estimate of what it\u2019ll be this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re unsure of the exact cost, project a cost that\u2019s a bit more than you\u2019d expect. That way, when it\u2019s time to pay, you might find yourself with a little extra money left over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For each bill, divide the total cost the the number of months between now and then. Add those individual \u201cpayments\u201d up, and you\u2019ll have your monthly savings goal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A surefire way to make your money work harder for you is to leave it in an account that accumulates interest. Look for accounts that allow you to withdraw when you need to, without a minimum necessary balance. As you save and deposit into your account, your money will grow automatically. (And that means you can offset your bills with funds that grow on their own!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to plan ahead but can\u2019t because of expensive debt payments, Accredited Debt Relief may be able to help. We could save you 40% or more on eligible monthly bills \u2014 and help you get debt-free in as little as 24-48 months. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s included in a big bill calendar?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Annual Expenses:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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How to use your big bill calendar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Look back at last year\u2019s major one-time expenses<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: For new, upcoming expenses, estimate realistic amounts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Start budgeting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Extra credit: Park your savings in a high-yield account<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You can make some bills more affordable \u2014 but what about your debt payments?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
See Your Savings<\/h3>\n\n\n