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Spending Plan Online Calculator

The average person usually has no idea how much he or she spends annually or monthly. This calculator was designed to help you get started on a spending plan (or budget) so that you can spend wisely and make better financial decisions.

The first step is to track your spending for 30 days, writing down everything you spend, and then compare your spending to the guidelines shown below. (Download our 30-day diary here.)

The percentages in this calculator were based on a $40,000 annual gross income for a family of four. You may need to adjust your percentages based on your income, family size, and other factors. To see more percentage guidelines (for singles, larger families, etc.), please visit our Free Downloads page.

   
Gross Annual Income: $
Tithe & Giving $
Tax $
 

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Category
Range
 Suggested Percentage Annual Amount Monthly Amount
Net Spendable:1

$36,866.00

$3,072.17

Housing:2
25-40%
 33 % 12,165.78 1,013.82
Food: 2
6-11%
 9 % 3,317.94 276.50
Auto:2
12-18%
 15 % 5,529.90 460.83
Insurance:
5-12%
 5 % 1,843.30 153.61
Debt:
0-8%
 5 % 1,843.30 153.61
Entertainment:
2-11%
 8 % 2,949.28 245.77
Clothing:
3-7%
 4 % 1,474.64 122.89
Savings:
3-10%
 4 % 1,474.64 122.89
Health Care:
4-8%
 7 % 2,580.62 215.05
Misc:
1-6%
 2 % 737.32 61.44
Investments:
0-8%
 1 % 368.66 30.72
Education/Childcare:
0-30%
 7 % 2,580.62 215.05
 
1 Net Spendable Income (NSI) is what is left to spend after giving and taxes. The NSI is what you must live on.
 
2 There are three main categories in every person's budget: Housing, Food, and Auto. If these three combined percentages exceed 70 percent of your NSI, then it will be almost impossible to have a balanced budget.
 

Manage Your Spending in a Whole New Way!