What using our budget calculator gives you
- Instant clarity on your income vs. expenses
- Realistic saving targets you can actually reach
- Smarter spending decisions backed by real numbers
- Confidence that every rand has a purpose
Ready to take control? Register now to start monitoring your financial health with JustMoney.
Why budgeting isn’t just “nice to have”
Everyone who earns money should learn how to budget. Budgeting isn’t about restrictions – it’s about giving your money a job to do.
A clear financial plan means:
- You identify wasted money quickly (like subscriptions you’ve forgotten about)
- You hit savings goals faster (from emergency funds to dream holidays)
- You avoid debt traps because you can easily see what you can truly afford
How to make the most of this budget calculator
- Enter your monthly income (anything you earn from formal or informal sources)
- Add your expenses – housing, food, transport, insurance, debt repayments, lifestyle
- Hit Calculate for your instant snapshot
- Review three key numbers
Key numbers to know
| Metric | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Total monthly income | All the rands coming in after tax |
| Total monthly expenses | Essentials + lifestyle spend |
| Monthly disposable income | What’s left after bills |
Five easy tweaks to boost disposable income
Want more money at the end of the month? Here are five tips to ensure you have something left over for unexpected or emergency expenses.
1. Cut back on takeaway or restaurant meals
Even one less R150 meal a week frees up around R600 a month – money you could put towards savings or paying off debt. Don’t want to miss out completely? Budget for one meal out a month.
2. Review mobile and insurance contracts
Could you pay less for your data package and insurance cover? Shop around or negotiate with existing providers.
3. Trim your transport costs
Explore alternative travel arrangements – start a lift club, carpool, or plan your trips to use less fuel. Even cutting R250 a month in fuel spend adds up to R3,000 a year. Investigate fuel rewards, too.
4. Audit subscriptions and hidden expenses
Gym membership not being used? Streaming services straining your wallet? If you cancel just two unused subscriptions, you could save hundreds a month.
5. Tackle debt with high interest first
Use spare cash to settle your credit card and store accounts, which will reduce interest charges and increase your disposable income. Debt stops your money working for you!
Now re-enter your trimmed numbers in the JustMoney calculator to see how each tweak raises the “Monthly disposable income” figure.
What your calculation results mean for your financial goals
Surplus scenario
If the calculator shows a positive disposable income, well done – you’re living within your means.
But don’t let that surplus go into unplanned spending. Use it wisely by:
- Building or boosting your emergency fund. Aim to channel at least three months’ worth of living expenses into a savings wallet or account for peace of mind.
- Paying extra into high-interest debt. Save on interest by paying extra into credit card or store card balances.
- Starting to invest. Even R200 a month in a tax-free savings account or other investment vehicle will compound over time.
- Saving for big goals. Set aside funds for a car or home deposit, or save for a wedding or family holiday.
A surplus is a tool that can bring you closer to eventual financial freedom.
Surplus example
- Monthly income after tax: R15,000
- Monthly expenses: R13,000
- Disposable income: R2,000
Here’s how you could put that R2,000 to work:
- R500 into an emergency fund – start building a safety cushion.
- R1,000 towards credit card/store account debt – cut down interest.
- R500 into a tax-free savings account or other investment vehicle – letting compound growth work for you.
The above example is illustrative. Consult a financial planner for guidance specific to your circumstances.
Shortfall scenario
If your expenses exceed your income, don’t panic – many South Africans are in the same position.
The JustMoney calculator highlights these gaps so you can take action.
Here are some helpful steps to follow:
- Cut back immediately. Use the fast tweaks above to free up cash (takeaways, fuel, and subscriptions are common culprits).
- Prioritise the essentials. Focus on affording the basics: housing, food, and transport. Delay or reduce lifestyle spending until your budget balances.
- Talk to your creditors. If debt is pushing you into the red, contact your credit providers to ask about restructuring or lowering your instalments. Act early before your debt snowballs.
- Look for extra income. Side hustles, part-time work or selling unused items can help to plug shortfalls and keep you going.
- Get professional help. If you’re drowning in debt, don’t ignore it. Consider speaking to a trusted JustMoney partner about consolidating your debt.
View these steps as a means to an end – a necessary measure to get you back on track financially.
Shortfall example
- Monthly income after tax: R12,000
- Monthly expenses: R13,500
- Shortfall: - R1,500
Here’s how to start closing the gap:
- Cut R500 by reducing takeaways and subscriptions.
- Save R400 by carpooling or taking fewer trips in the month.
- Negotiate mobile or insurance contracts to save R300.
- Find an extra R300 through a side hustle or selling unused items.
This will close the shortfall and balance the budget, helping you reach your goal!
The above example is illustrative. Consult a financial planner for guidance specific to your circumstances.
