Budgeting tools for income that changes every month
Most budgets assume the same paycheck every month. Yours doesn't. These free calculators help freelancers, gig workers and commission earners plan around the lean months.
Free calculators
Variable Income Budget
Find the baseline you can safely budget on when income changes every month.
Safe-to-Spend
Know what you can spend per day until the next payment arrives.
Tax Set-Aside
Estimate what to set aside from every payment for US self-employment taxes.
Emergency Fund
Size your emergency fund to how unpredictable your income really is.
Pay Yourself a Salary
Turn lumpy income into a steady paycheck using a buffer account.
How to budget when your income is irregular
- Budget on your baseline, not your average. Use the average of your lowest few months as the income you can count on. Everything above it is a bonus.
- Cover essentials first. Rent, food, utilities, insurance, minimum debt payments and taxes have to be paid in every month, good or bad.
- Set taxes aside the day you get paid. If no employer withholds tax, move a fixed percentage into a separate account with every payment.
- Build a buffer account. In strong months, save the extra. In weak months, pay yourself from it. This turns lumpy income into a steady paycheck.
- Grow your emergency fund further than a salaried worker would. More variability means a bigger cushion. Three months is a floor for you, not a goal.
All calculators run in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or stored.
Latest guides
How to Pay Yourself a Steady Salary as a Freelancer
Pay yourself the same amount every month by routing all client income into a business account and a buffer, then drawing a fixed salary from it.
How Much Should a Freelancer Set Aside for Taxes?
Most freelancers set aside 20% to 30% of net income for taxes. Here is how to find your own percentage from self-employment tax plus your bracket.
Budgeting for Gig Workers: Uber, DoorDash and Other Apps
Driving for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart or a mix of apps means income that changes daily. Here's how to combine it into one budget and know what you can spend.
Taxes and Mileage Deductions for Gig Drivers: Uber, DoorDash and Instacart
Rideshare and delivery driving comes with a mileage deduction that often beats every other write-off combined. Here's how it works and how to set aside taxes correctly.