Sometimes an expense catches you off guard, not because it’s a true emergency, but because it didn’t make it into the budget. Maybe an annual subscription was renewed, soccer club fees were due, or a school expense slipped your mind.
When that happens, don't panic. Your SmartDollar benefit includes access to EveryDollar, making it easy to update your budget and adjust your plan as your month changes.
How to handle the expense
When an unexpected expense comes up:
- Open your budget in EveryDollar.
- Add the expense to the appropriate budget category.
- Review your remaining budget for the month and identify categories where you can reduce spending.
- Move money from a lower-priority category to cover the expense.
- Avoid relying on debt whenever possible, and continue following your updated budget for the rest of the month.
Your budget is meant to be adjusted. Moving money around doesn’t mean you failed, it means you’re paying attention and making intentional choices.
Learn from it for next time
After you've covered the expense, ask yourself whether it's something you'll need to pay again in the future.
If it is, add it to a future monthly budget in EveryDollar or start setting money aside ahead of time. Planning for recurring expenses can help you avoid surprises and stay on track with your financial goals.
Common examples include:
- Annual subscriptions
- Sports or activity fees
- School expenses
- Membership renewals
- Seasonal costs
What if I have a miscellaneous line item?
A miscellaneous budget category can help cover small, unexpected expenses. If the expense is larger or something you expect to happen again, it's better to create a dedicated budget category in EveryDollar so you can plan for it in future months.
The goal is progress—not perfection. Each time you update your budget, you're building a stronger plan for the future.
Make the most of your SmartDollar benefit
Your SmartDollar benefit includes EveryDollar, giving you the tools to create a monthly budget, adjust it when life changes, and plan ahead for future expenses. Updating your budget regularly can help you stay in control of your money and keep making progress toward your financial goals.
Need more help?
The team is happy to help. Submit a request here.