Have you been hit by an unexpected bill recently?

If you’ve faced a surprise expense recently, then you’re definitely not the only one. 84% of us have been caught out by an unplanned cost in the last year.

A new survey of 2,000 people, carried out for the all-in-one banking app thinkmoney, looked into exactly what kind of costs are catching us off guard.

Most common unexpected costs

Car trouble tops the list, with 44% of people facing an unexpected repair or breakdown. This was followed by broken washing machines (37%) and dental work (28%).

Other common out-of-the-blue expenses include:

• emergency plumbers or electricians (26%)
• boiler breakdowns (26%)
• vet bills (25%)

How much are we spending on the unexpected?

On average, we spend £776 every year on surprise costs, and experience more than two ‘shock bills’ a year.

Other common wallet-drainers include:

• smashed phone screens (21%)
• parking fines (20%)
• roof leaks (18%)
• losing money after a ‘free’ subscription trial (16%)

How do we pay for the unexpected?

When these surprise costs hit, 42% of people dip into savings. About one in five use a credit card, and one in ten turn to friends or family for help.

Another 6% use their overdraft, while 3% either take out a loan, find extra work, or turn to buy-now-pay-later options.

Nearly half of us say we’re only one unexpected bill away from financial disaster, and almost a third of us have been pushed into debt by a sudden expense.

It’s not just about the money

A shock bill doesn’t just hit your wallet, it can hit your emotions, too.

When those surprise costs land:

• one in tent said it brought them to tears
• 39% said it caused stress or anxiety
• 27% felt angry
• 16% regretted not saving for a rainy day
• one in ten felt embarrassed or ashamed

Money stress can be frightening, but there are simple, practical ways to protect yourself from that next unexpected hit.

How to build a rainy-day fund

Having a pot of money set aside for emergencies, means you can cover life’s surprise costs without needing to borrow or dip into money meant for essentials.

Here’s how to get started:

Set a realistic goal

A good benchmark is to save enough to cover around three months of essential living costs, things like rent, bills, food and transport.

But if that feels out of reach, don’t panic. The key is simply to start.

Start small and stay consistent

Even £1 or £2 a week adds up over time. The habit matters more than the amount. Once you start seeing progress, it becomes easier to keep going.

Automate your savings

Set up a direct debit or standing order that moves a small amount into your savings each week. Treat it like another bill, one that pays you.

Make saving effortless

Many banking apps now offer round-up features, which automatically save your spare change every time you spend. It’s saving without even thinking about it.

Use physical reminders

If you prefer something visual, keep a change jar at home. Empty your pockets or purse at the end of the day, and once a month, move that money into your savings account.

Protect your progress

Try to keep your emergency savings separate from your everyday spending money. That way, you won’t be tempted to dip into it for non-emergencies.

Celebrate milestones

Each time you hit a small goal, say £50, £100 or £500, give yourself credit. You’re building financial security one small step at a time.

Saving doesn’t have to mean big sacrifices. A few pounds here and there can turn into the safety net that saves you from stress later on. The next time life throws a surprise expense your way, you’ll be ready.