Budgeting Tool

Young couple laying on carpet looks at laptop screen

FINVET Budget Builder

Create a personalized monthly budget that supports your family's unique needs. It's quick, simple, and built for you.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “VA” does not endorse nor recommend one private entity over another. This tool does not collect personally identifiable information and data entered will not be used for marketing or any other commercial purposes.

Step 1 of 9

What’s Your Monthly Household Income?

Your Income

How often are you paid?

Your take home payMonthly income after taxes, benefits and other deductions

Your Spouse's Income

How often is your spouse paid?

Spouse's Take Home PayMonthly income after taxes, benefits and other deductions

Other incomeMonthly child support received, second job, VA disability, drill pay; after taxes

Step 2 of 9

How Much Do You Save/Invest Each Month?*

Savings Emergency fund and other goals

Investments IRA, other investment accounts

*Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and other employer-sponsored retirement plans are not included in this Budget Calculator.

Step 3 of 9

How Much Do You Spend on Housing Each Month?

Monthly or rent payment Monthly mortgage payment includes principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI)

Homeowners or renters insurance

Utilities Electricity, gas, etc.

Internet, cable & phones

Other housing expenses Pest control, lawn service, etc.

Step 4 of 9

How Much Do You Spend on Food Each Month?

Groceries and household supplies

Dining out

Other food expenses

Step 5 of 9

How Much Do You Spend on Transportation Each Month?

Auto/motorcycle loan payment(s)

Auto/motorcycle insurance

Auto/motorcycle maintenance 1/12 of annual total

Public transportation Metro, bus, etc., parking, tolls, ride sharing

Other transportation expenses

Step 6 of 9

How Much Do You Spend on Health Each Month?

Medicines and supplements

Health insurance deductibles/co-pays

Other health expenses Dental, glasses, contacts, etc.

Step 7 of 9

How Much Do You Spend on Family Each Month?

Child care

Child/spousal support

Clothing and shoes

Money given to family members

Other personal or family expenses

Step 8 of 9

How Much Do You Spend on Lifestyle Each Month?

Laundry service

Entertainment

Vacations

Pets

Memberships

Step 9 of 9

How Much Do You Spend on Other Expenses Each Month?

Credit card minimum payments

Student loan payments

Other loans Furniture stores, appliances, HVAC systems, etc.

School costs Tuition, supplies, etc.

Life insurance Monthly premiums paid for private policies

Other expenses Bank, credit card, ATM, and other fees

Results

Your Monthly Budget

Great work! You’ve taken an important step in understanding your finances and creating a plan to make the most of your money.

View Your Budget

Overall Budget Results On Track On Track Time to Adjust

Your Monthly Income:

Your Monthly Expenses:

You've got an extra !

Good job! Spending less than you earn is a simple way to stay on top of your finances and future goals.

Good job! You've put every dollar to work this month, keeping you on track for success.

You’re running a little short this month !

You’ve got this! Spending less than you earn is the best way to improve your finances. It’s time to make some adjustments.

Money Insights

Spending habits tell a story about your priorities.

Here is a breakdown of where your money is going this month. If your top categories aren’t aligned with your financial goals, consider making changes.

Calculating...

Savings & Investments	$0
Housing	$0
Food	$0
Transportation	$0
Health	$0
Family	$0
Lifestyle & Discretionary	$0
Other Expenses	$0

Calculating...

Your Next Steps

It’s great to have some extra money left over each month. Here are some smart ways to put it to good use.

If you’re carrying debt, increase your payments to save interest and free up more cash in the future.
Establish an emergency fund of 3-6 months of living expenses to prepare for unexpected financial surprises.
Save for long term goals like retirement to secure your future.
Revisit your budget every month and adjust when needed.

Your budget is balanced, good job. Every dollar coming is being used in one of your spending categories. Here are some tips as you plan for next month.

If you have debt, redirect some discretionary spending toward your payments to save on interest and pay it off sooner.
Review your emergency fund. It is a good idea to have three to six months of living expenses saved for the unexpected.
Prep for next month’s budget by making small adjustments and automating savings to create a cushion, even when money is tight.

More money is going out each month than is coming in. Spending more than you earn can lead to major financial challenges later.

Prioritize needs over wants by focusing on essentials like housing and food. Try to reduce spending on dining out, entertainment, and subscriptions.
Look for opportunities to boost your income such as taking on extra work, freelancing or selling unused items.
Reevaluate your daily habits, like transportation choices or shopping patterns, to identify opportunities for saving.
Negotiate bills with creditors and service providers to find more affordable options.
Adjust your budget so it is balanced next month.

Review Your Budget Summary

View a print-friendly version of your budget and set your goals by filling in the "Goal" column with your future targets.

View Your Budget

Back Next

Monthly Expenses
Monthly Income	$0
Savings & Investments	$0
Housing	$0
Food	$0
Transportation	$0
Health	$0
Family	$0
Lifestyle & Discretionary	$0
Other Expenses	$0

Difference	$0