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.