How is my take-home pay worked out?
From your gross pay, the planner takes out your 401(k), pre-tax health and HSA, then federal income tax from the IRS 2026 and 2027 tables, your state's income tax from the Tax Foundation's 2026 brackets, and Social Security and Medicare. It is an estimate of withholding: credits and deductions beyond the standard ones are not included.
Is anything I type saved or sent anywhere?
Nothing is sent to us or stored on a server. The plan can stay in this browser so it is there when you come back; untick that box and it is forgotten when you leave. Bank balances are optional.
How long will it take to save for something?
Add it as a goal, with a date if you need it by then. The planner puts what is left each month toward it and shows the month you reach it, how much a month it needs, and how much more you would need to earn before tax to get there on time.
Why do some months have an extra paycheck?
Paid every two weeks, you get 26 checks a year, so two months have three. Weekly pay gives four months with five. The planner counts your real paydays, so those months show the extra money.
Which debt should I pay off first?
Highest rate first (the avalanche) costs the least interest. Smallest balance first (the snowball) clears a debt sooner, which some people find easier to stick with. Switch between them on the Debts tab and compare the payoff date and interest.
What are the 2026 401(k) limits?
$24,500 of your own pay, plus $8,000 more at 50 or older, or $11,250 more at 60 to 63 (IRS Notice 2025-67). Your employer's match does not count toward your limit.
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
A common guide: about half of take-home pay for needs (housing, groceries, bills, minimum debt payments), 30% for wants and 20% for saving and paying down debt. The planner shows your own split next to it.
Does the Excel file keep the formulas?
Yes. Every month, tax, debt, goal and chart in the download is a live Excel formula, with the tax tables included. Change a blue cell and the rest follows. Open the file here again to pick up where you left off.
Can I use it for a business?
Yes. Switch to Business for sales, costs, cost of goods, staff with employer payroll taxes, loans, purchases and the tax to set aside for a sole owner, an S corporation or a C corporation.