Budget Builder

This isn't just a calculator that spits out one number. It's a plan: where every dollar of your income is going today, how that compares to a few well-known budgeting approaches, and exactly what to do with whatever's left over.

1Your Income & Household

Enter your take-home pay for a single pay period, whatever hits your bank account after taxes and deductions. We'll convert everything to a monthly view for you.

How often are you paid?
$
$
A second earner, a side job, or other regular income
Everyone this income supports, including you

2Fixed Expenses

The same amount every month, or close to it. Skip anything that doesn't apply.

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$
$
$
$
$
$
Total fixed expenses $0

3Variable Necessities

Costs you need to cover, but the amount changes month to month.

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$
$
$
$
Total variable necessities $0

4Flexible Spending

The wants: things that make life enjoyable but aren't required.

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$
$
Streaming, gym, apps
$
$
Total flexible spending $0

5Minimum Debt Payments

Only the required minimums. Anything extra you pay toward debt belongs in your remaining money later, not here.

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$
$
$
$
Total minimum debt payments $0

Want the exact minimum on each balance? Pull it from your statements, or use the Debt Payoff Planner to lay out every debt first.

6Savings Contributions

Money you're already sending toward a savings or retirement goal each month.

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$
$
Total savings contributions $0

7Irregular & Annual Expenses

Costs that don't hit every month but are just as real. Enter the full annual amount for each; we'll divide it into a monthly amount for you.

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Per year
$
Per year
$
Life, umbrella, or anything billed yearly
$
Per year
$
Monthly equivalent of annual expenses $0

This tool provides general estimates for educational purposes only and isn't personalized financial advice. Read our full disclaimer →

Your Budget

Fill in your income and expenses above, then select "Build My Budget" to see your plan.