NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Feel Organized and Less Anxious About Money: The Sinking Fund System Explained

June 8, 2026·33 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Learn how to set up a sinking fund system that puts your savings on autopilot and helps you reach your goals. What if the key to hitting your financial goals isn't just saving more, but saving smarter? Hosts Sean Pyles, CFP®, and Elizabeth Ayoola dig into the sinking fund system, a strategy of separate, named savings accounts each tied to a specific purpose. They explore the psychology behind why earmarking money for a specific goal feels different from keeping one lump sum, how to choose between high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs, and the common pitfalls that can stall your progress before the system even gets off the ground. Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of June 2026: Up to 4.03% https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/best/high-yield-online-savings-accounts  Subscribe to our podcast’s free email newsletter for bonus content and more from our hosts at https://smartmoney-nerdwallet.beehiiv.com/  Want us to review your budget? Fill out this form — completely anonymously if you want — and we might feature your budget in a future segment! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScK53yAufsc4v5UpghhVfxtk2MoyooHzlSIRBnRxUPl3hKBig/viewform?usp=header To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com. Like what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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