Back to calculators

Zero-Based Budget Planner

Assign every dollar of income a specific purpose - no money left unallocated

Total Income

$5,000

Monthly income

Allocated

$5,200

104.0% of income

Remaining

$200

Over-allocated

Budget Status

Over-allocated

Needs adjustment

Monthly Income

Salary, wages (after taxes)

Side hustle, freelance

Dividends, bonuses, etc.

Budget Status: Over-allocated

You've over-allocated by $200. Reduce spending or increase income.

💡 Recommendations:

  • • Reduce discretionary spending categories
  • • Look for ways to increase income

📊 Expense Tracking

Budget Allocations

Essential Expenses

$2,850 allocated

Savings & Investments

$1,400 allocated

Discretionary Spending

$650 allocated

Goals & Future

$300 allocated

Zero-Based Budgeting Guide

Zero-Based Principles

  • • Every dollar must have a specific purpose
  • • Income minus expenses should equal zero
  • • Prioritize essentials, then savings, then wants
  • • Review and adjust categories monthly
  • • Track actual spending against allocations

Category Guidelines

  • • Essential: Housing, utilities, minimum debt payments
  • • Savings: Emergency fund, retirement, investments
  • • Discretionary: Entertainment, dining out, shopping
  • • Goals: Vacation fund, extra debt payments
  • • Tip: Aim for 20% savings rate if possible