Budget Command

Unsaved changes
Income
$0
$
Fixed Costs
$0
$
$
$
Variable
$0
$
$
Savings
$0
$
$

Financial Analysis

Balance: $0
Needs (Fixed)0.0% / 50%
Wants (Variable)0.0% / 30%
Savings Rate0.0% / 20%

Expert Insights

  • 💡Low Savings: Try to automate a small transfer to savings on payday.

How to Master Your Budget

Understanding the numbers is just the first step. Here is how to use this tool to build real wealth.

How to use this calculator
  1. Step 1: Enter Net IncomeInput your take-home pay (after taxes). Do not use your gross salary.
  2. Step 2: List Fixed Costs (Needs)These are bills you must pay: Rent, utilities, minimum debt payments.
  3. Step 3: Estimate Variable Costs (Wants)Be honest here. Check your bank statement for dining, shopping, and subscriptions.
  4. Step 4: The Zero-Sum GameLook at the Balance. If it is positive, increase your savings until it hits $0. Every dollar needs a job.
Ideal Budget Percentages
Based on the 50/30/20 Rule
Needs (Fixed Costs)Target: 50%

Housing, Utilities, Groceries, Insurance.

Wants (Variable)Target: 30%

Dining out, Hobbies, Netflix, Travel.

Savings & DebtTarget: 20%

Emergency Fund, Investments, Extra Debt Payments.

Common Scenarios

The Over-Budget

Symptoms: Balance is negative. Credit cards are used to cover basics.

Needs 60%
Wants 45%
Savings 0%

The Fix:

Cut Wants immediately. If Needs are > 50%, you may need to move to cheaper housing or increase income.

The Tight Budget

Symptoms: Low income. Just covering bills. No room for fun.

Needs 85%
Wants 10%
Savings 5%

The Fix:

Focus entirely on income growth. Budgeting can only do so much; you need a larger shovel (income) to fill the hole.

The Ideal Flow

Symptoms: Bills on auto-pay. Savings growing monthly. Stress-free.

Needs 45%
Wants 30%
Savings 25%

Next Steps:

Start investing. Max out retirement accounts. Look into real estate or index funds.

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