UK Budget Calculator
Our free UK monthly budget planner helps you track all your income and expenses in one place. Simply enter your salary, bills, and spending categories to see exactly where your money is going and how much you have left to save each month.
Monthly Expenses
Monthly Surplus
£1,050
Good balance. Consider the 50/30/20 rule.
How the Monthly Budget Planner Works
This UK Budget Calculator processes your input values using standard mathematical formulas and UK-specific parameters. Enter the required values into the input fields provided — all fields are labelled clearly with units. The calculator updates your result in real-time as you type, using validated equations to ensure accuracy. No manual calculation is needed; simply enter your values and read the output directly. For financial or health-critical decisions, we recommend confirming results with a qualified professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 50/30/20 budget rule?
The 50/30/20 rule is a popular UK budgeting framework where 50% of your after-tax income goes to needs (rent, bills, groceries), 30% to wants (dining out, entertainment, hobbies), and 20% to savings and debt repayment. It provides a simple structure for managing monthly finances without a rigid itemised budget.
How can I reduce my monthly expenses in the UK?
Common UK money-saving tactics include switching energy suppliers, using price comparison sites for broadband and insurance, meal planning to reduce food waste, using cashback apps, and cancelling unused subscriptions. Even small monthly savings compound significantly over time when moved into an interest-bearing account.
What are the biggest monthly expenses for UK households?
For most UK households, the largest monthly outgoings are housing costs (mortgage or rent, typically 30–40% of income), transportation, utilities, food, and childcare. Use our budget calculator to map out your exact spending and identify the categories where you can save the most.
What is a sinking fund and should I use one in the UK?
A sinking fund is money set aside each month for a specific future expense — such as a car service, holiday, or boiler replacement. Dividing anticipated annual costs by 12 and saving that amount monthly prevents financial shocks. Many UK financial advisers recommend maintaining several sinking funds alongside an emergency fund.
How much emergency fund should I have in the UK?
Most UK financial advisers recommend saving 3 to 6 months' worth of essential living expenses as an emergency fund. For example, if your monthly essentials cost £1,500, aim for £4,500 to £9,000 in an easy-access savings account. This provides a financial buffer against unexpected job loss, car repairs, or medical costs.