Budget

A clear, simple budget can help you understand where your money goes, stay in control of your spending, and make steady progress toward your financial goals.

What question is on your mind the most?

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How can I make ends meet when my budget feels tight?

When money feels tight, begin with a simple, realistic budget that shows where your income is going. This helps you separate essential from optional expenses and identify your first opportunities to save.

Start with these tools

Create and manage your budget

List your income and typical monthly expenses to get a full picture of your spending.

Create your budget

Take the Financial Wellness Check-up

Answer a few questions and receive suggestions to help improve your financial health.

Take the check-up

Use the budgeting model to organize your spending

After you set aside any retirement contributions, organize your take-home pay using this simple budgeting model:

60% for needs – essential expenses like housing, groceries, insurance
30% for wants – non-essential expenses such as dining out or entertainment
10% for savings – emergency fund or future goals

The Spending page can help you compare your budget categories with this model.

Visit the Spending page

How can I find extra room in my monthly budget?

If you already have a budget but still spend more than you earn, a more detailed plan can reveal quick ways to save. Small changes can add up over time.

Tools to help you get started

Create a monthly spending plan

Get control of your spending and set yourself up for next month.

Take the Financial Wellness Check-up

Get an action plan based on your financial situation.

Take the check-up

Quick ways to reduce expenses

Subscriptions & services

Cancel streaming or apps you no longer use.
Ask your TV or internet provider about current promotions or discounts.

Insurance

Shop around for auto, homeowners’, or renters’ insurance.
Special savings are available to HPE team members and their families. Home and auto insurance

Debt & banking

Carrying credit card debt? Ask your bank about lower interest rate options or refinancing programs.
Explore balance-transfer offers carefully to ensure fees don’t outweigh benefits.

Money management options

Watch if you’re struggling to pay bills.
Watch ideas for earning money quickly.
Explore available discounts for HPE team members and families at no cost to you.

How do I review my budget each month?

Your financial situation and priorities change over time. A monthly review ensures your spending plan still works for you and can keep you on track toward your goals.

Helpful tools

Prioritize and identify savings goals

Learn how to save for big goals like a vacation, home project, or new car.

Watch: Prioritize & Identify Savings Goals

Your financial wellness dashboard

Track your spending, monitor progress toward goals, and plan for retirement.

Access your financial wellness dashboard

How can I plan a realistic retirement budget?

Spending habits and income sources shift once you retire. Planning early can help you understand how much you’ll need each month, how healthcare may impact your costs, and how Social Security timing affects your income.

Resources to guide your planning

Retirement Income Calculator

Estimate your potential retirement income needs.

Use the calculator

Retirement Health Care Estimator

Learn what health care might cost during retirement.

Estimate your health care costs

When to Claim Social Security

See how the timing of your Social Security benefits affects your retirement income.

Learn about Social Security

IMPORTANT: The projections or other information generated by Fidelity Retirement Income Calculator regarding the likelihood of various investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature, do not reflect actual investment results, and are not guarantees of future results. Results may vary with each use and over time.