Sample output
Made on 27 October 2026
Monthly Budget
| Category | Monthly Amount | % of Income | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Needs | $2,250 | 50% | Includes $1,400 rent plus utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and minimum debt payments |
| Rent | $1,400 | 31.1% | Fixed |
| Other needs | $850 | 18.9% | Keep essential spending within this cap |
| Wants | $900 | 20% | Dining out, entertainment, subscriptions, shopping, and travel |
| House down payment | $1,125 | 25% | Dedicated 3-year savings |
| Emergency/retirement savings | $225 | 5% | Emergency fund, retirement, or extra debt repayment |
| Total | $4,500 | 100% | Adjusted from 50/30/20 to 50/20/30 |
Savings-Goal Math
Assuming no existing down-payment savings and excluding interest:
- Monthly house contribution: $1,125
- Timeline: 36 months
- Total saved: $1,125 × 36 = $40,500
- Starting in April 2026, the target would be reached around March 2029
If your desired down payment differs:
Monthly target = (Down-payment goal − current savings) ÷ 36
| Down-Payment Goal | Monthly Target | Approximate Goal Date |
|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $833 | March 2029 |
| $40,000 | $1,111 | March 2029 |
| $40,500 | $1,125 | March 2029 |
| $50,000 | $1,389 | March 2029 |
Keep closing costs, moving expenses, and an emergency fund separate from the down payment where possible.
Three Realistic Cuts
- Cap dining and takeout: Replacing two $35 meals per week with home-cooked meals could free roughly $200–$250 per month.
- Audit subscriptions and recurring bills: Cancel little-used services and renegotiate phone, internet, or insurance to target $50–$100 per month.
- Use a weekly wants allowance: Limit discretionary spending to about $205 per week, making the $900 monthly wants cap easier to follow.
Overspend-Recovery Rule
For every $1 overspent, reduce the next month’s wants budget by $1—not the house contribution. If