How is it calculated?
The formula is simple: money left = monthly take-home income − monthly fixed bills.
Example: with a €2,100 salary, €650 rent, €70 of energy, €60 of insurance and €50 of subscriptions, you have €1,270 left each month. That's what pays for groceries, transport and going out, and what you save from.
The calculator also gives an amount per person, handy to compare households of different sizes.
What if what's left is tight?
- Spot the fixed bills you can cut: forgotten subscriptions, an overpriced phone plan, insurance worth renegotiating.
- Set a budget per category for your day-to-day spending, and track it during the month. Our guide How to make a budget in 5 steps walks you through the method.
- Build a small emergency fund, even €20 a month, to absorb surprises without going overdrawn. See how much to keep aside.
Frequently asked questions
What does disposable income mean here?
In this calculator, it's the money you have left each month once your fixed bills are paid: rent or mortgage, other loan repayments, utilities, insurance, subscriptions and regular taxes. It has to cover everything else (groceries, transport, going out, surprises) and your savings. Economists sometimes call this discretionary income.
What's the difference with the debt-to-income ratio?
The debt-to-income ratio compares your loan repayments with your income, as a percentage. What's left after bills is an amount in euros: it tells you concretely how much you have to live on. Lenders often look at both before granting a loan.
Should groceries count as a fixed bill?
No. Fixed bills are contractual payments that go out every month no matter what. Groceries, fuel or going out are day-to-day spending: that's exactly what the money left after bills has to cover.
Is my take-home pay before or after tax?
Use what actually lands in your account each month, after tax and deductions. If some taxes are paid separately (property or local taxes, for example), add their monthly equivalent to your fixed bills.