Set-asides: save ahead for costs that don't come every month

Set-asides: save ahead for costs that don't come every month

A vacation or a car repair doesn't come every month, so it's hard to pay for out of one paycheck. A set-aside saves a little from every paycheck, so the money is there when you need it.

Tip: turn your phone sideways for a bigger view.

Save a little each payday. Spend it when the time comes.

• Part of each paycheckPick a fixed amount, like $200, or a percent, like 5%. Castworth sets it aside every payday on its own.
• Held back, not movedThe money stays in your checking account. Your forecast and Real-Time Excess Cash just stop counting it as spending money.
• Spend from itTap apply to fund on the charge. The trip or the repair comes out of the set-aside, not your spending money.