🔧 How much can you safely invest with a variable income?
💵 Income Scenarios
When you have a highly variable income, committing to regular investments can feel risky. You want to build wealth, but also maintain stability and save for a house. This calculator stress-tests your cash flow against a sudden drop in hours or wages.
The r/Bogleheads poster took home an average of $1,500/week (about $6,500/month), but calculated a drop in overtime could push them down to $972/week ($4,200/month).
💸 Expenses & Goals
Next, we subtract your survival expenses and investment goals. The poster needed $2,500/month to cover basics. They also wanted to commit to a 6% 401(k) match and an $80 HSA contribution per paycheck, totaling roughly $800/month.
🏦 The Safety Net
If your income drops below your total expenses, your cash cushion is what keeps you afloat. The original poster had built a strong $40,000 buffer between checking and a high-yield savings account.
We calculate how many months this cash can cover any shortfall before you are forced to pause investments or take on debt.
🔗 See Also
For further related reading, check out:
📊 Results
Avg. Surplus
Worst Surplus
Safety Runway
999
Recommendation
Keep Investing
Calculator updated by heyfinfam (v26.7.0) · View history
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