Safe to spend before payday
One number for what you can spend now without coming up short before the paycheck after next, with the math shown.
What you get
- Looks past the next payday so rent doesn't eat the next paycheck
- A cushion you choose stays untouched
- Warns you about the first day your balance would go below zero
"How much can I spend?" is the question most people actually have. Safe to spend answers it from your own calendar.
How it's worked out
The planner looks at every projected end-of-day balance from today until the day before the payday after next. It takes the lowest one and subtracts your cushion. What's left is safe to spend. It never shows less than zero.
Why look that far ahead? A big bill a few days after payday can take most of the next paycheck. If you only counted the bills before the next payday, you could spend money that rent needs later.
The arithmetic, on screen
The number is shown with its working: your balance now, the lowest point and the bills it comes after, and your cushion. If your balance is projected to go below zero at any point, the planner shows the first date it happens.
Nothing counted twice
When you update your balance, tick the items dated that day that have already cleared your account. They're then treated as part of the balance, not taken off again.
This is math, not advice. The number is only as good as the paychecks and bills you've entered.
Related features
- Planning
Pay-cycle calendar
Every payday, bill and debt payment on one calendar, with the balance you'll end each day with.
Try it with your own numbers
Start with the paycheck calculator, no sign-up needed. Save it to a free account when you want it kept.