See it against the 50/30/20 rule, or switch to a zero-based budget and plan where every bit of income goes. Nothing leaves your browser, so your numbers stay yours. It is free and private.
How to make a budget
- Enter your Take-home pay, after tax, and any other Income.
- Add your Spending, one line for each bill or habit, using monthly amounts.
- Choose a view: 50/30/20 or Zero-based.
- Check How it looks, then adjust the numbers until the plan works for you.
- Download a CSV if you want a copy. Start over clears everything.
The 50/30/20 rule
A simple starting point: about half of your take-home pay goes on needs like housing, food and bills, 30 percent on wants, and 20 percent on savings and paying down debt. The bars show how close you are to each target. It is a guide, not a law; in an expensive city needs often take more than half, and that is fine if you know it.
Zero-based budgeting
With a zero-based budget, income minus everything you assign should come to exactly zero. Money left over isn't lost; it just hasn't been given a job yet, so put it towards savings, a goal or a debt. If you have assigned more than you earn, the planner shows how much to trim.
Tips for a budget that works
- Look at last month's bank statement first, so you budget for what you really spend.
- Include irregular costs, such as car repairs, gifts and annual subscriptions, by dividing them by 12.
- Pay yourself first. Set the savings amount before the wants.
- Review monthly. A budget is a living plan.
- If income varies, plan from your lowest typical month.
Who uses it
Students on a tight allowance, young adults with a first job, families, and freelancers with uneven pay. To record what you actually spend, use the expense ledger, and to track earnings, the income tracker.
Private by design
Your budget is saved in this browser only, and is still there when you come back. Download a CSV to open it in Excel, Numbers or Google Sheets. Use monthly amounts: divide a yearly bill by 12, and multiply weekly pay by 52 and divide by 12.
Questions
Which method should I use?
50/30/20 is quick and gives a big picture. Zero-based takes longer and is better when money is tight or you have a specific goal.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is a planning tool. The rules are guides, and your own situation comes first.
Do I enter income before or after tax?
After tax. Use the money that actually reaches you.
Is my information stored online?
No. It stays in your browser on this device.