Guides

Practical, worked-through answers to the questions that come up when you're deciding what you can afford next.

• How much can I afford to spend on a holiday?

  A step-by-step method, a worked example and the costs people forget.

• How much should I budget for holidays each year?

  Set a realistic yearly total for every trip, and the monthly figure behind it.

• How to calculate how much you can safely spend

  The four-step calculation, a worked example and the mistakes that skew it.

• How to plan your finances 12 months ahead

  Build a forward calendar of income and irregular costs so nothing lands as a surprise.

• How much disposable income should I have?

  What the figure means, how to work yours out and what to do if it's thin.

• How to plan for big purchases without damaging your savings

  Fund a large purchase from planned money instead of raiding your emergency fund.

• How to budget for a weekend away

  Small trips have a predictable shape. Here's a realistic breakdown.

• Budgeting vs financial forecasting

  Why looking backwards and looking forwards are different jobs.

• Envelope budgeting explained

  The method behind splitting money into separate, purpose-built pots.

Prefer to jump straight in? Use the future spending planner.