Module 2 — Your First Budget

What's your monthly take-home pay?

This is the money that actually lands in your bank account after taxes and deductions. If you just completed the paycheck module, we can pull that number.

$
💡
Not sure? The median take-home for a new grad is about $3,200/month ($45k salary). If you just know your salary, run it through the paycheck module first.
Step 2 — Fixed Expenses

The bills that don't negotiate

These come every month, same amount. Pick the scenario closest to your situation and see how much of your income they eat.

Monthly take-home
$3,200
🏠 Housing
🚗 Transportation
⚡ Utilities & Bills
📱 Phone plan $85
🛡️ Renter's insurance $15
Remaining after fixed expenses $0
📊
Step 3 — Variable Expenses

The spending you control

These are the categories where most people overspend without realizing it. Drag the sliders to set your monthly targets.

Left to allocate $0
Your spending plan
🛒 Groceries $300
$100$600
🍽️ Dining Out $150
$0$500
🎬 Entertainment $100
$0$400
📺 Subscriptions $50
$0$200
👕 Clothing & Personal $75
$0$300
Where your money goes
Step 4 — Savings Goals

Pay yourself before you spend

Financial experts recommend the 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings. Let's see how your budget stacks up.

The 50/30/20 rule vs. Your budget
Needs (50%)
0%
Wants (30%)
0%
Savings (20%)
0%
📊
Set your savings allocation
🚨 Emergency Fund $200
$0$800
🎓 Student Loans $200
$0$600
🎯 Personal Goals $100
$0$500
🚨
Emergency fund in
--
to reach 3 months expenses
🎓
Loan payoff in
--
at $30k balance, 5% interest
🎯
Goal savings in 1 year
--
vacation, tech, deposit
Monthly surplus / deficit $0
Your budget breakdown

Here's your monthly money map

Every dollar has a job. This is where your money goes each month, based on the choices you just made.

Monthly Surplus / Deficit
$0
Full breakdown
💵 Paycheck Module