★ Jolly Good Guide Information only — not financial advice Free help · 0800 138 1111
Free tool

Simple Budget Planner

Understanding how much you have left after essential outgoings to safely commit to a loan repayment.

For: Anyone considering borrowing who wants to check their monthly budget first.

Your budget

Enter your monthly income and essential outgoings to find out what you can safely afford to repay each month.

Monthly income
Monthly outgoings
Total income
Total outgoings
Remaining

This is a rough guide only — use it as a starting point. Not financial advice.

Limitations
  • You know your finances better than a calculator does — use this as a starting point
  • Does not account for irregular or seasonal expenses
⚠ Important
  • A positive budget balance does not mean a lender will approve your application.

When to use it

Use this planner before borrowing, after a change in income, or if you are unsure where your money is going. It helps you understand what comes in, what goes out, and whether there is enough room for a new repayment.

What it cannot tell you

This planner does not replace debt advice. If your budget is negative, or your existing repayments are already hard to manage, consider speaking to a free debt advice charity rather than looking for a new loan.

It does not account for every type of irregular or seasonal spending. A realistic budget includes a buffer for unexpected costs.

Free debt help

If your budget is tight or you are struggling with existing debts:

  • StepChange · 0800 138 1111
  • National Debtline · 0808 808 4000
  • MoneyHelper · 0800 011 3797
Read next
Guide: early loan repayment → Guide: getting financial advice → worried about repayments → true cost of borrowing →