Money allocation calculator
Plug in your monthly take-home and fixed costs. Compare a 65/20/15 split (needs/saving/wants) against 75/15/10 (needs/saving/wants), and see a three-to-six-month emergency fund target.
Who this is for
Adults who earn an income, want to allocate it deliberately, and have never set up an automated money system.
How to use the result
Pick the split that fits your fixed-cost reality. Set up the standing orders this week. Re-run the calculator quarterly as income changes.
What this tool can't tell you
It can't recommend specific investments, tax structures, or debt strategy. For meaningful financial decisions, work with a regulated adviser in your jurisdiction.
Reality check
Your actual fixed + debt obligations are £1,700 — 57% of take-home.
That leaves £1,300 per month for savings, investing, and discretionary spend.
65 / 20 / 15
Aggressive saver — works if fixed costs are well under 65%.
- Needs
- £1,950
- Save / invest
- £600
- Wants
- £450
75 / 15 / 10
Steadier saver — more realistic if fixed costs run high.
- Needs
- £2,250
- Save / invest
- £450
- Wants
- £300
Emergency fund target
Three-to-six months of essential outflows: £5,100 to £10,200.
Most people aim for three months as a first milestone. Higher targets (six months) make sense for variable income, single-earner households, or unstable employment markets.
Go deeper
Open Personal Finance Foundations for the full micro-course, or follow the Money Foundations & Career Leverage path. Worksheet: Money split planner.