Creating a spending plan that you can use to stay aware of what you're doing with your money each month while keeping your goals in mind is one of the best things you can do for your financial future. If you've been putting off reviewing your expenses and creating a plan, you're in good company, and this calculator makes it easier to start.
In just a few minutes, you'll add your income, your credit cards, and your monthly expenses. You'll see how your spending compares with common guidelines, how much is left at the end of the month, and an estimate of how long your card balances could take to pay off. Then you can download your plan as a PDF to keep. Nothing you enter is saved or shared, this is just for you!
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Not Sure Which Option Is Right For You?
FAQs
You work through five short steps: your goals, your monthly income, your credit cards, your expenses, and your results. The totals update as you type. At the end you'll see how much is left each month and how your spending compares with common guidelines, and you can download everything as a PDF. Most people finish in less than 10 minutes.
Include your take-home pay (after taxes) plus any payments you receive regularly, such as child support, disability, retirement, Social Security, unemployment, or rental income. Leave out money you can't count on, like bonuses, commissions, overtime, or gifts. If you're paid weekly, every two weeks, or twice a month, the calculator converts it to a monthly amount for you.
Planned is what you expect to spend in a category this month, and actual is what you really spent. Comparing the two shows where your plan and your real spending differ, which is how a budget gets more accurate over time.
A common guideline is up to 30% of your take-home income for housing, 20% for transportation, 20% for debt payments, and 20% for family and community expenses, with at least 10% going to savings. These are starting points, not rules, and every household is different. High housing costs in your area or a long commute can shift the numbers, and that's okay.
That's more common than you might think, and there are practical ways forward. You can increase your income, reduce your expenses, or do both. Start by looking at your largest planned expenses, since small changes there go furthest. If your debt payments are a big part of the gap, working with a certified credit counselor can help you see your options before you fall behind.
The interest rate (APR) is optional. If you add it along with your balance and monthly payment, the calculator estimates how long payoff could take and how much interest you may pay. The estimate assumes a fixed rate, no new charges, and the same payment each month, so treat it as a helpful guide rather than a guarantee.
No. Nothing you enter is saved, stored, or sent anywhere. It stays in your browser window, and it's gone when you close or refresh the page. That's why we recommend downloading your PDF if you want to keep your plan.
Review it at least quarterly, or monthly if you can. Some people find it easier to check in every payday. Income and expenses shift from month to month, so a quick regular update keeps your plan realistic.
Our certified credit counselors can review your debts and walk you through repayment options, which in many cases can include lower interest rates, lower monthly payments, and reduced fees, through a debt management plan. What's available depends on your situation. You can request a free quote online with no phone call required and no pressure.
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