MarginGuard Budget
Relationship Status
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We use this to tailor your Emergency Fund goal based on whether you have a partner sharing expenses with you.
Single
Married
Carryover Consumer Debt
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This is any debt you’re still paying off that’s NOT a mortgage—like credit cards, personal loans, or car loans.
Yes
No
Home Ownership
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Let us know if you own your home and have a mortgage. If not, we’ll assume you’re renting and adjust your budget accordingly.
Own Home
Do Not Own Home
Have Mortgage
No Mortgage
Current Income and Savings
Monthly Take-Home Income ($):
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This is the actual money you bring home each month after taxes and deductions — what you really have to work with.
Current Cash Savings ($):
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What you’ve already got stashed away in savings — cash you can access right now if needed.
Used to check if Emergency Fund is fully funded.
Needs
Housing ($):
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This is your rent or mortgage—keep it cozy but reasonable. Aim to keep it under 25% of your take-home pay so you have room to breathe in your budget.
Housing should not exceed 25% of take-home income.
Groceries ($):
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Think everyday groceries — stuff you cook at home. Skip dining out, no takeout, and hold off on grocery delivery or Doordash. Keep it real and reasonable.
Utilities ($):
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This covers your basics — electricity, water, gas, trash, and internet. Keep it simple and stick to what you need to keep the lights on and the house running.
Transportation ($):
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This covers gas, public transit, or rides to the essentials — like work, groceries, doctor appointments, and any other must-get-there trips.
Insurance ($):
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This is for any insurance you pay directly yourself—like car, renters, or life insurance premiums that don’t come out of your paycheck.
Healthcare ($):
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Covers things like doctor visits, prescriptions, and any out-of-pocket medical expenses you pay yourself—not what’s taken from your paycheck.
Childcare/School ($):
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All the costs for daycare, babysitters, school fees, and anything else that helps keep your kids cared for and learning.
Giving ($):
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Giving isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a priority for many who see it as a responsibility to support their faith, family, or community. It’s about honoring commitments and making a positive impact.
Minimum Debt Payments ($):
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Just the bare minimum you gotta pay each month to keep debt in check and avoid extra charges.
Other Essentials ($):
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Stuff you gotta pay for that doesn’t fit anywhere else—like basic household supplies or any must-have monthly costs.
Total Needs ($):
Wealth Building Engine
Saving ($):
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Money set aside for emergencies and goals—easy to get to when life throws you a curveball.
You must save at least the emergency fund shortfall monthly before funding Wants.
Investments ($):
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Building your future by growing money in retirement or brokerage accounts—after taxes, outside your paycheck.
đź”’ To unlock Investments, you must eliminate consumer debt and fully fund your Emergency Fund.
Debt Payoff ($):
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Chipping away at credit cards, student loans, or any other debts that aren’t your mortgage.
Extra Mortgage Payoff ($):
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Putting extra money toward your mortgage principal to pay it off faster and save on interest.
đź”’ To unlock Extra Mortgage Payoff, you must own a home, have a mortgage, and allocate money to Investments.
Total Wealth Building ($):
Wants
Personal Entertainment ($):
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Stuff like movies, games, hobbies — the fun things you do just for yourself.
Dining Out ($):
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Eating out or ordering in — think restaurants, takeout, and those occasional food treats.
Travel ($):
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Trips and getaways — whether it's a weekend road trip or a big vacation adventure.
Other Wants ($):
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Anything fun or nice-to-have that doesn’t fit above — your little extras and splurges.
đź”’ To unlock Wants, you must eliminate consumer debt, your Emergency Fund must be at least $1,000, and you must save monthly.
Total Wants ($):
Wants cannot exceed 20% of leftover after Needs.
Summary
Remaining Margin: $0.00