When it comes to love, it’s the little things that count. But on the subject of money, it’s the big things that break the bank.

My car shuddered to a grinding halt on a recent trip to Wales and I ended up having to fork out £240 to have it fixed. Apparently, this is pretty typical, as seven out of 10 households in the UK have experienced at least one unplanned expense in the past year.

And one in three people have no savings or invest-ments to cushion the blow of out-of-the-blue costs, according to the Money Advice Service.

MAS, a government agency set up to offer free, independent advice on how to manage money, suggests putting aside £3 a day.

Believe it or not, that adds up to a not-too-shabby £1,095 during a year.

Given that 70 per cent of households shelled out an average of £1,101 in the past year on unexpected costs, that could be a useful pot of cash.

The sorry list of cash-sappers includes broken household appliances or technology, damaged spectacles and repairing or replacing your boiler.

Replacing a washing machine is another, which will set you back £245 on average.

But car-related costs are the most common, with one-in-three drivers being stung for an average of £1,341.

Just to compound the problem, it’s almost always urgent. You can bet your boiler won’t pack-in during sunny August but in November, when there are icicles in the bathroom.

MAS suggests using the Money Health Check on its website moneyadvice service.org.uk, to test whether you are making the most of your cash and there is also a cut-back calculator to help spot areas where you can make savings towards your £3 a day.

Save by cutting out that coffee from Costa, or walking a bit further, rather than coughing up £3 for parking.

Home contents and other insurance policies may help in some cases but they won’t cover you for wear and tear.

Plus, drawing on your insurance for unexpected costs could prove expensive after you’ve paid the policy excess.

If something goes wrong with a purchase, check to see if you are protected by consumer law or your credit card.

And finally, get advice if you find yourself facing a big bill, speak to your bank before spending more than you can afford, or ask at your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Caroline Rookes, chief executive of the Money Advice Service, said: “These results highlight the financial and emotional strain that just one unforeseen emergency bill can bring.

“With millions of homes experiencing unexpected cost of over a thousand pounds, it’s vital people know how they might cope.

“We urge everyone to plan for rainy days and build up a buffer to cover unforeseen costs. Even a small pot will help you cope with the shock of the unexpected and ease the strain.

“Setting a small amount gradually – such as £3 a day – will really pay off in the long term and provide peace of mind if you’re hit by an emergency bill.”