Monthly budget

A budget is usually the first step before any other money goal. It shows whether the issue is how much you spend or how it is spread, and whether there is room for an emergency fund, insurance or saving without squeezing the month.

You will need your net monthly income (from your last payslip or bank account) and an honest picture of your costs: housing, loan repayments, premiums, groceries, transport, children, subscriptions. Include what you pay once a year, such as fees, servicing or holidays; the tool spreads it over 12 months so it does not catch you out.

Sign in or create a free account to save results and share them with your advisor when you choose.

How to read the result

The main result is what is left each month once your savings goal is set aside. Below it you see your fixed costs (housing, loans, premiums), your living costs including 1/12 of the annual ones, your total costs and your savings rate before and after the goal.

If the amount after the goal is negative, the goal does not fit yet: the tool shows how much your costs would need to fall, or suggests starting with a smaller goal and raising it gradually. It also shows which cost category is the largest as a share of income — the “small” costs often make the biggest difference.

What you can do next

• Use what is left to build an emergency fund before bigger goals.
• If you are not sure of your net income, try the income tax estimator.
• Check your subscriptions and premiums once a year: there are often overlaps. You can also read about saving for future needs.
• Book an appointment to work out with an advisor how to split what is left between saving and protection.

If you are signed in, you can save the result to My reports and, only if you choose to, send it to your advisor; nothing is shared automatically.

This is information, not financial advice. All amounts are monthly and net; changes in income, inflation, and taxes other than those already taken off your net income are not considered.