How the daily allowance is calculated
Payday Compass subtracts essential costs, savings and other planned spending from your monthly take-home income. It divides the remaining amount by your chosen number of days. This gives you a daily estimate without needing to record each purchase.
What counts as an essential cost?
Include rent or bond repayments, rates, levies, medical aid, essential insurance, minimum debt repayments, transport to work and other costs you must cover. Set aside a monthly amount for annual bills. Enter savings and investments in their separate field to avoid counting them twice.
What a shortfall means
A negative balance means the costs and savings you entered exceed your take-home income. The calculator shows the shortfall because there is no daily allowance left. Review the amounts to see where you could reduce spending or adjust a savings target. A recurring shortfall may need a broader review of income and expenses.
What the estimate leaves out
This is a snapshot, not a cash-flow forecast. It does not model the dates bills leave your account, irregular income, emergencies or the risk that estimated expenses are too low. If bills fall due before payday, use a calendar to check when money enters and leaves your account. The calculator does not request a bank login or collect your income details.
Try the Ripple Effect to see how changing a monthly expense could affect longer-term savings, or read our guide to a realistic cash buffer.