Guides / Building it
Tax refunds, bonuses and windfalls
A plan for unexpected money before it arrives.
Lump sums are one of the fastest ways to build an emergency fund, but they're easy to spend if there's no plan.
Decide in advance
Pick a split before the money arrives, for example most of it to the emergency fund and a small part to something you enjoy. Having a plan makes it easier to stick to.
Common windfalls
- Tax refunds
- Work bonuses or overtime
- Cash gifts
- Rebates and refunds
- The money from selling a car or furniture
General educational information, not financial advice. Penny Vaults isn't paid by any bank or lender.