RandRoute · South African money tools
Monthly Budget Calculator
Give each part of your income a job, then see whether the plan balances.
Calculator inputs
- After-tax income
- Essentials
- Lifestyle
- Debt payments
- Savings
How the calculator works
The monthly budget compares after-tax income with essentials, lifestyle spending, debt payments, and savings, then shows the amount left or the size of the gap.
Example calculation
Enter R28,000 after-tax income, then add your actual monthly essentials and debt payments. Use the remaining amount as the starting point for savings, flexible spending, or a buffer.
Frequently asked questions
- What should a monthly budget include?
- Include fixed bills, flexible spending, debt payments, savings, annual costs divided into monthly amounts, and a small buffer for irregular expenses.
- What if my budget is negative?
- Start with the largest flexible categories and recurring costs. Reduce the gap one decision at a time rather than cutting every category without a plan.
- Should savings be part of a budget?
- Yes. Giving savings or debt reduction a line before the month starts makes it more likely that the money is available for the goal.
Related financial tools
Estimate only. Results are based on the information entered and applicable assumptions. Actual amounts may differ.