Give every dollar a job.
A budget is a plan for where your money goes before it gets there. Start from a common 50/30/20 split, then make it yours: rename categories, add or remove them, and edit either the percent or the dollar amount. It works the same whether income is a paycheck or an allowance.
Part-time pay or allowance is fine. Use what you get in a typical month.
Switch any time. The other value updates to match.
- %$600
- %$360
- %$240
Share of income
Every dollar is assigned. Nice and balanced.
A starting point, not a rule.
One common way to split income is half to needs, a third to wants, and the rest to savings. It is a starting frame to react to, not a rule you have to follow. Move the numbers until the plan fits your real life.
Needs (about 50%)
Things you have to pay for: rent or board, food, phone, transit to school or work.
Wants (about 30%)
Things you choose: eating out, streaming, games, going out with friends.
Savings (about 20%)
Money you set aside: an emergency cushion, a goal you are saving toward, or paying down a balance.
This is a learning tool, not financial advice. It does not store anything you type. The point is to see your choices add up in real time, then adjust until the plan feels right.
- Percent and dollars stay linked: a category’s percent is its dollar amount divided by your income.
- “Left to allocate” is income minus everything you have assigned. If categories add up to more than your income, the tool flags that you are over budget.
- Everything is monthly. There are no taxes, interest, or fees built in. Enter take-home amounts you actually receive.