How to save for the bills that come once a year
Updated: 9 October 2026
You remember the monthly bills, because they come regularly. The ones that come once a year are the risky ones: they arrive when you’re not expecting them, and they’re often big. The fix is simple: split them into months, ahead of time.
1. Write down every yearly bill
Sit down once and list every payment that comes once or twice a year. For many households in Albania, the list looks like this:
- Car insurance (TPL and, if you have it, comprehensive cover).
- The kolaudimi (car inspection) and the annual car tax.
- Car servicing and winter tyres.
- Property tax and other local charges.
- Yearly subscriptions (apps, domains, memberships).
- School costs in September: books, clothes, fees.
Next to each one, write last year’s amount and the month it comes in.
2. Work out how much to put aside
Add up the amounts and divide by 12. That’s what to put aside each month, so the money is ready when the bill arrives.
An example: insurance at 14.500 L and a service at 3.000 L make 17.500 L. If you start six months ahead, you need to put aside about 2.900 L a month. If you start three weeks ahead, you need about 833 L a day. The earlier you start, the less it hurts.
3. Keep it separate
- A savings account or sub-account at your bank that you don’t touch for anything else.
- Or an envelope, if you use mostly cash. What matters is that this money doesn’t mix with everyday spending.
- Move the money on payday, not at the end of the month, when there’s usually nothing left.
4. Check it once a year
Prices change. When you pay a yearly bill, write down the new amount and update your list. That way next year’s number is right.