Simple Budget Calculator

This tool helps you calculate your monthly budget and track where your money goes. Understanding your spending patterns is the first step toward financial wellness.

How to Use

1. Enter your monthly income - Include salary, freelance income, investments, or any regular money coming in
2. List all your expenses - Break down into categories like housing, food, transportation, entertainment, savings, and debt payments
3. Analyze the results - See if you're saving or overspending, and identify areas to cut back

Budget Categories to Track

Fixed Expenses (stay relatively constant):

• Rent or mortgage
• Insurance premiums
• Loan payments
• Subscriptions

Variable Expenses (fluctuate month to month):

• Groceries and dining
• Transportation and gas
• Entertainment
• Shopping and personal care

Savings Goals:

• Emergency fund (3-6 months expenses)
• Retirement contributions
• Investment accounts
• Debt paydown

Budgeting Tips

• Use the 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt
• Track for 3 months to establish accurate spending patterns
• Review monthly and adjust as needed
• Automate savings to ensure money goes to goals first
• Plan for irregular expenses like car maintenance or annual fees

Why Budget?

A good budget helps you:

• Achieve financial goals faster
• Reduce stress about money
• Avoid overspending
• Build an emergency fund
• Plan for major purchases
• Take control of your finances

This is a simplified example. In a real implementation, you would include interactive JavaScript components here.