Money · lens

Blind Budget

Plan without knowing your exact numbers. Give a range for what you're not sure of — you'll still get an honest answer. Precision isn't required for honesty.

Educational estimates only — not financial, tax, mortgage, or investment advice.

Monthly income$4,500 – $6,000

Low end

High end

Monthly fixed costs$2,200 – $3,000

Low end

High end

Liquid savings$6,000 – $10,000

Low end

High end

Safe-to-spend band

$1,500 – $3,800

per month, across your worst case to your best case

Runway band

How long your savings hold up against your fixed costs.

2 months – 5 months

What this means

The low end of each band pairs your least income with your highest costs — the honest worst case. The high end pairs your most income with your lowest costs — the honest best case. If you can live inside the low end of the safe-to-spend band, you're covered no matter which reality turns out to be true. Narrowing your ranges over time, not guessing a fake precise number today, is how this band gets smaller.