Budget Planner
SA-specific categories including stokvel, domestic worker and municipal rates. Results update in real time.
If not deducted from salary
If in a complex or estate
Needs
If billed separately
Wants
Counted as savings toward your 20% target
Payments above the minimums already captured under fixed commitments.
Enter the full annual amount. We show the monthly provision for each.
Enter your monthly income above to see your budget breakdown
All results update in real time as you fill in your details.
About this calculator
What this calculator does
Helps you plan your monthly budget using SA-specific expense categories including stokvel contributions, domestic worker costs, municipal rates and taxes, and school fees. It applies the 50/30/20 framework adjusted for South African household spending patterns and shows you where your budget stands against recommended benchmarks.
How to interpret your results
A surplus means you have money left after all expenses — this should be directed to savings or debt repayment. A deficit means your expenses exceed your income and adjustments are needed. The benchmarks shown are guidelines, not rules — every household is different.
Assumptions applied
- The 50/30/20 rule is adapted for SA context: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt repayment.
- Housing benchmark is set at 30% of gross income, in line with NCA guidance.
- All income and expense figures are monthly.
What this calculator doesn't account for
- Does not account for irregular income or seasonal expenses.
- Annual expenses like car insurance renewals or school registration fees should be divided by 12 and entered as monthly amounts.
- Does not model the impact of inflation on future expenses.