Free tool
Can I afford it?
Thinking about a new car payment, rent, or loan? Enter your monthly numbers and we'll show what's left over, your debt-to-income ratio, and whether the new payment looks comfortable, tight, or risky.
Your monthly numbers
Looks comfortable
- Money left each month
- $650
- Debt-to-income ratio
- 22%
- Existing debt$450
- Essentials$2,200
- New payment$700
- Money left$650
This payment fits with room to spare and a healthy debt-to-income ratio. Keep an emergency fund in place before committing.
Debt-to-income counts existing debt payments plus the new payment, divided by your gross income — the basis lenders use, who typically prefer it at or below 36% and cap around 43%. "Money left" is based on your take-home pay.
Why debt-to-income matters
Your debt-to-income ratio is one of the clearest signals of whether a new payment is sustainable. Keeping total debt payments at or below about 36% of income leaves room for saving and for the unexpected — which is exactly what an emergency fund is for.
Plan the bigger picture
Once a payment looks affordable, map it into a full plan with our budgeting guide, and if debt is involved, compare payoff strategies with the debt payoff comparator.
Frequently asked questions
How does this affordability check work?
It subtracts your existing debt payments, essential expenses, and the new payment you're considering from your take-home pay to show what's left each month, and separately checks your debt-to-income ratio against your gross income (the basis lenders use). It then flags whether the new payment looks comfortable, tight, or risky.
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Many lenders prefer total monthly debt payments at or below about 36% of gross income, and often will not exceed 43%. Lower is generally safer and leaves more room for savings and surprises.
Is this financial advice?
No. It's a planning estimate based on the numbers you enter and does not account for taxes, irregular expenses, or your full situation. Use it as a starting point, not a decision on its own.