Budget planner
Give every month a clear shape
Enter average monthly figures to see the amount left for saving, debt or unexpected costs.
About this estimate
This is a monthly cash-flow snapshot. It does not include tax calculations, annual or irregular bills unless you convert them to monthly amounts, changes in income, interest or future inflation.
Review real transactions and keep a separate allowance for expenses that do not occur every month. General information only; seek free financial counselling if bills or debts are becoming unmanageable.
Use the result well
Use averages that reflect a whole year
Enter take-home income after tax and convert quarterly or annual bills into monthly averages. Look through several months of bank transactions for groceries, fuel and discretionary spending instead of choosing the amount you hope to spend.
The five fields are deliberately broad. Keep a separate list for irregular costs such as insurance, school expenses, medical bills, gifts, rates, travel and repairs so an apparent monthly surplus is not already committed.
Give a surplus more than one job
A surplus can be divided among an emergency fund, expensive debt, near-term goals and retirement saving. Money contributed to super is generally preserved, so keep accessible cash for costs that could arise before retirement.
If the result is a shortfall, start with the largest flexible categories and contact providers early about hardship options. Free financial counselling through the National Debt Helpline can help when bills and debts are becoming unmanageable.