Budget Calculator Track income/expenses, allocate every dollar, and build savings — with 2025 benchmarks and zero-based b...

Budget Calculator

Track income/expenses, allocate every dollar, and build savings — with 2025 benchmarks and zero-based budgeting.

Zero-Based Budget

50/30/20 Rule

Savings Goal

Debt Payoff

Monthly Income ($)

Housing ($)

Utilities ($)

Groceries ($)

Transportation ($)

Insurance ($)

Dining ($)

Entertainment ($)

Shopping ($)

Savings ($)

Debt Payments ($)

Other ($)

Monthly Income ($)

Needs ($)

Wants ($)

Savings/Debt ($)

Goal Amount ($)

Months

Current Saved ($)

Credit Card ($)

CC Rate (%)

Student Loan ($)

SL Rate (%)

$0

Total Spent

$0

Leftover / Shortfall

0.0%

Savings Rate

0.0%

Debt-to-Income

Budget Allocation

Zero-Based Budgeting

Formula**:

$$\text{Income} - \text{Expenses} - \text{Savings} - \text{Debt} = \$0$$

Every dollar gets a job — no unassigned money.

Example** ($6,000 income): • Housing: $1,800 (30%) • Utilities: $300 (5%) • Groceries: $600 (10%) • Transportation: $400 (6.7%) • Insurance: $300 (5%) • Dining: $300 (5%) • Entertainment: $200 (3.3%) • Shopping: $250 (4.2%) • Savings: $600 (10%) • Debt: $600 (10%) • Other: $150 (2.5%) • **Leftover: $500 → assign to emergency fund**

✅ Pro Tip**: Use sinking funds for irregular costs (e.g., $75/mo for $900 annual car insurance).

Budget Red Flags

⚠️ Avoid these dangerous patterns:

• Leftover > $0 with no plan** — becomes lifestyle inflation
• Debt-to-income > 36%** — mortgage denial risk (FHA max 43%)
• Savings rate < 5%** — 22+ yrs to 1x salary saved (6.5% return)
• No emergency fund** — 40% of Americans can’t cover $400 emergency (Fed 2025)

✅ Pro Tips**:

• Aim for **≥20% savings/debt** (50/30/20 rule)
• Automate savings → 92% higher success rate (Fidelity)
• Review budget weekly for first 3 months → habit locks in

2025 Budget Benchmarks

Category	National Avg	Strong Budget
Housing	33%	≤30%
Transport	16%	≤12%
Food	12%	≤10%
Savings	8%	≥15%

📉 Savings Rate Impact** ($6K/mo income):

• 5% ($300/mo): $52K in 10 yrs (6.5%)
• 15% ($900/mo): $156K in 10 yrs
• 20% ($1,200/mo): $208K in 10 yrs

📉 Emergency Fund Targets**:

• Dual income: 3 months ($18K on $6K/mo)
• Single income: 6 months ($36K)
• Freelancer: 9–12 months ($54–72K)

How to Use This Calculator

➡️ Zero-Based Budget

Enter all income/expenses — see if every dollar is assigned.

➡️ 50/30/20 Rule

“$3K needs, $1.8K wants, $1.2K savings — am I on track?” (Yes!)

➡️ Savings Goal

“$18K emergency fund in 12 mos — how much/mo?” ($1,333)

➡️ Debt Payoff

See how debt payments affect your budget allocation.

Note: Uses BLS 2025 expenditure data. Assumes post-tax income. Housing includes rent/mortgage, insurance, taxes, maintenance.