Use a budgeting calculator 2026 and a “money-last” forecast to plan how long savings will cover you during a job loss or career break.
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Why This Matters Now
Losing a job is scary. You need to know one thing fast: how long will your money last?
This is not a math test. It’s your safety net. It tells you how much time you have.
Recent data shows job searches take months. Not weeks. Not days. Months.
Prices are still going up. Your money buys less than before. Many people have less than three months of cash saved.
This is why you need a simple tool. A tool that shows your money’s runway.
Use this easy tool to see how long your money will last.
The Simple Formula That Changes Everything
This is not hard. You need three numbers:
- Your cash on hand
- Your must-pay bills each month
- Any income you get while out of work
Here is the magic:
Money left = Cash on hand ÷ (Bills – Income)
If bills are less than income, you are safe. If not, this shows your months of safety.
How to Find Your Numbers
Your Cash
Add up:
- Money in checking
- Money in savings
- Any cash you have
Do not count retirement money. Unless you plan to use it.
Your Bills
Look at past bank statements. Add up:
- Rent or house cost
- Power and water
- Food
- Insurance
- Debt payments
- Transport
- Child care
Your Income
Add:
- Jobless benefits
- Any severance pay
- Side work cash
Be real. Don’t guess high.
Real Examples You Can Copy
Example 1: One Person with Low Savings
- Cash: $12,000
- Bills: $3,000 a month
- Income: $0
Bills minus income = $3,000
$12,000 ÷ $3,000 = 4 months
Your money lasts 4 months.
Example 2: A Family with Some Help
- Cash: $20,000
- Bills: $6,440 a month
- Income: $2,000 a month
Bills minus income = $4,440
$20,000 ÷ $4,440 = 4.5 months
Your money lasts 4 and a half months.
Example 3: A Family with More Savings
- Cash: $100,000
- Bills: $12,880 a month
- Income: $3,000 a month
Bills minus income = $9,880
$100,000 ÷ $9,880 = 10.1 months
Your money lasts 10 months.
What Your Number Means
Less than 3 months
You are in danger. Act fast.
Cut costs. Find work. Do both.
3 to 6 months
You are safe for now. But not for long.
Keep working to add more time.
6 months or more
You have time to find the right job.
Do not waste this time. But do not panic either.
Quick Ways to Make Your Money Last Longer
Right Now (0-14 days)
- Stop all extra spending. No more streaming. No more eating out.
- Call lenders. Ask for help.
- File for jobless benefits right away.
Soon (2-8 weeks)
- Sell things you don’t need.
- Add side work. Even a little extra cash helps.
- Check your health plan. A cheaper plan can save money.
Later (1-6 months)
- Talk to lenders about lower payments.
- Pay off high interest debt first.
- Only touch retirement cash as a last resort.
When to Use Retirement Savings
Retirement money is for later. Not now.
Taking it out early costs you money. You pay tax plus a penalty.
Only do this if:
- You have no other cash
- You know the costs
- You talk to a money expert first
Your Action Plan Today
- Right now: Get your numbers. Use bank statements.
- This week: Call lenders. Sign up for side work.
- This month: Make a bare bones budget. Pick a health plan.
- If you have less than 3 months: Get any job fast. Time is short.
- If you have 6 months or more: Use time to find the best job.
Final Check
- Did you count all bills?
- Did you guess income low?
- Did you run the math?
- Did you pick 3 quick actions?
- Did you talk to an expert about retirement cash?
This tool can help you see your money’s timeline.
Stay Calm. Stay Smart.
This tool gives you power. It turns fear into action. You now know your money’s timeline.
Use this time well. Cut costs. Add income. Find good work.
You are not alone. Many people face this. But with clear numbers, you can win.
Your money has a timeline. Now you know it. Work with it. Not against it.
