Budget calculator
Where does your salary go? Enter your income and expenses and see right away what is left at the end of the month, how high your savings rate is and how your budget compares with the 50/30/20 rule.
Income
Fixed costs and essentials
Leisure and wants
Saving and pension
Your budget and the 50/30/20 rule
Share of your monthly income.
| Item | Share | Per month | Per year |
|---|
The calculator divides yearly amounts by twelve. What is left at the end of the month counts towards your savings rate, a shortfall is deducted from it.
Note: The calculator shows your budget with the amounts you enter. The example values apply to one person with their own flat and are not Swiss averages. The 50/30/20 rule is a rule of thumb, not a requirement. The calculator only stores your figures in your browser, they never leave your device. No investment, tax or pension advice.
How to make a budget that lasts
The 50/30/20 rule
The rule splits your net income into three pots: at most 50% for fixed costs and essentials, up to 30% for leisure and wants and at least 20% for saving. In cities like Zurich, Geneva or Zug, rent often takes more. Then it helps to cut back a little on wants so that saving does not suffer.
What many budgets leave out
- Taxes: If you are taxed through the regular assessment, you only pay with the tax bill. Put a twelfth aside every month or transfer it as a monthly instalment to the tax office.
- Yearly costs: Insurance, deductible, dentist, holidays and gifts come irregularly. Divide them by twelve, then they will not catch you off guard.
- Health insurance: You pay the premium yourself, it is not on your payslip. With the deductible calculator you can see whether adjusting your deductible would pay off.
Save first, then spend
Set up a standing order for pillar 3a and your savings account on payday. Whatever is left in your salary account is yours to spend. First build an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. We show you how in our article Build an emergency fund, and how to get to your first budget in 30 minutes in Create a budget.
Frequently asked questions about budgeting
How much rent can I afford?
As a rule of thumb, at most a third of your net income, including service charges. With a salary of CHF 6'000 per month, that is CHF 2'000. Many landlords check this when you apply as well.
How much should I save per month?
The 50/30/20 rule says at least 20% of your income. This includes pillar 3a, savings account and investments. If you are just starting out, begin with a smaller amount and increase it with every pay rise.
How do I budget for taxes?
Take your last tax bill for canton, municipality and federal government and divide it by twelve. Put this amount into a separate account every month or transfer it as a monthly instalment to the tax office. If you pay withholding tax, leave the field empty, because it is already deducted from your salary.
Does the 50/30/20 rule work in Switzerland?
As a guideline, yes. Rent and health insurance are expensive in Switzerland, so fixed costs are often above 50%. What matters is that you save or invest regularly at all and are not in the red at the end of the month.
Are my figures stored?
Only in your own browser, so they are still there on your next visit. They are not sent to Geldfuchs or anyone else. «Clear all» deletes them.
Your budget, up to date every month
Geldfuchs shows you income, fixed costs and savings rate at a glance, calculates your taxes for your canton and plans pillar 3a and retirement along the way.
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