FREE TOOLS / Everyday money
Monthly budget
Where the money actually goes. Six numbers, one honest answer about what’s left at the end of the month.
Your estimate
Monthly budget surplus
$1,100.00
This is what remains before any spending or savings commitments you have not included.
- Monthly take-home income
- $7,000.00
- Monthly spending
- $5,900.00
What this estimate assumes
- All entries use the same monthly period and the same person or household. Income is after tax; no tax is calculated.
- Enter each cost once. Include irregular annual expenses as a monthly allowance. Savings transfers are not expenses unless you choose to include them.
- A negative result is a budget deficit, not zero available cash.
For information only, not financial advice. These simplified estimates do not consider your full circumstances. Assumed rates are not forecasts or guaranteed returns. Talk to a financial adviser before making financial decisions.
HOW TO READ THIS TOOL
Six numbers. One honest answer.
Income, spending, what’s left
The headline is the surplus or the deficit. A negative figure is a shortfall, shown plainly rather than rounded to zero.
Broad on purpose
Five spending groups are enough to see the shape of a month. The line-by-line detail belongs in a full budget with an adviser, not a public tool.
A snapshot, not a plan
This is one month as you describe it. It does not track, forecast or save anything.
How the model works
Everything is monthly and after tax, for the same person or household. Take-home income less the five spending groups gives the result. No tax is calculated and nothing is annualised for you.
Getting the inputs right
Enter each cost once. Annual bills such as insurance, registration or rates become a monthly allowance. Regular savings transfers are not expenses; leave them out unless you want to see what is left after saving. If in doubt, round costs up rather than down.
The assumptions, in full
- All entries use the same monthly period and the same person or household. Income is after tax; no tax is calculated.
- Enter each cost once. Include irregular annual expenses as a monthly allowance. Savings transfers are not expenses unless you choose to include them.
- A negative result is a budget deficit, not zero available cash.
A FEW GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you
trust the number.
An estimate is only as good as the question behind it. These are the ones people ask most about this tool.
All ten toolsWhy is my surplus positive when I never seem to have money left?
Usually because irregular costs are missing. Car servicing, gifts, holidays and one-off purchases add up. Spread them over twelve months, add the monthly figure to other spending, then look again.
Should I include my mortgage in housing?
Yes. Rent or mortgage repayments, rates, insurance and body corporate fees all belong in housing. Keep other loans and credit cards under debt payments so you can see the two separately.
What is a good surplus?
There is no universal figure. What matters is whether it is positive, consistent and enough to build savings or clear debt. An adviser can help set a target that fits your goals and your commitments.
YOUR MONEY. YOUR CALL.
Stop guessing.
Start knowing.
Use the tools right now, no sign-up. When you want a real adviser, tell us what’s on your mind and we’ll match you properly.
Talk to an adviser