Direct Debit Budget Planner UK
Plan your monthly budget by comparing income against direct debits and other essential costs to see what remains.
Calculator
What this means
Direct debits are fixed monthly outgoings that leave your account automatically. Understanding them helps you spot subscriptions and budget gaps early.
How to use this calculator
- List your regular direct debits and their amounts.
- Set how often each one is paid.
- See your total committed monthly spending.
Worked example
Rent £800, council tax £150, energy £120 and broadband £30 a month.
- Add up all committed monthly payments.
- £800 + £150 + £120 + £30 = £1,100.
£1,100 of your income is committed before any discretionary spending.
Who this is for
- Anyone trying to get a grip on monthly outgoings.
- People with lots of subscriptions and bills.
- Anyone working out how much is left to save or spend.
Why tracking direct debits matters
Direct debits and standing orders are your committed costs — they leave your account automatically, so it's easy to lose track. Listing them shows exactly how much income is spoken for each month.
Reviewing them regularly often uncovers forgotten subscriptions or better deals on bills, freeing up money for savings or debt repayment.
Frequently asked questions
Regular automatic payments from your bank account — bills, subscriptions, insurance, gym memberships and similar.
Food, transport, minimum debt payments and other necessary costs not paid by direct debit.
A buffer of at least 20% of income after essentials is a common goal for discretionary spending and savings.
Cancel unused subscriptions, switch energy and broadband at the end of deals, and challenge any bill that's crept up. Even small monthly savings add up over a year.
A direct debit lets a company pull a variable amount with notice; a standing order is a fixed amount you instruct your bank to send. Both are easy to forget, so review them regularly.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for guidance only. It is not financial, legal or tax advice. Always check official sources or speak to a qualified professional before making decisions.
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