Budget Basics Tool Demo
This is a working front-end demo. Enter sample numbers to test the flow, calculations, credit card utilization, essentials check, debt payoff comparison, goals, and recommendations.
Setup
Choose the basic profile. These settings change the calculations and the way the snapshot is described.
Short Needs Check
This does not decide everything. It helps the tool know which recommendations may matter after the numbers are entered.
Income
Add each income source separately. Amounts are converted to monthly estimates for the snapshot.
Bills
Start with the bills that must be protected. Housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, medication, food, and family obligations feed the essentials check.
Spending
Use planned and actual amounts from the beginning. The difference helps show where the plan and real life separate.
Credit Cards
Credit cards stay in the simple budget because this is where a lot of people get trapped. APR is optional unless you want highest-interest payoff comparison.
Other Debt
Show secured, unsecured, student/government, medical, and other debts so the bigger picture is visible.
Goals
The emergency fund is emphasized as the first recommended goal. Goals can be active, paused, or future so every goal does not create pressure this month.
Simple Payoff Comparison
Compare payoff directions. This is education and planning, not financial advice.
| Method | First Focus | Why It May Help | Caution |
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Budget Snapshot & Review
This is the plain-language review after the basic numbers are entered.
Recommendations
These are suggestions and flags, not shame and not final advice. The veteran can decide what to do next.
Export / Share Summary
This produces a simple text summary of the demo budget. In the future, a real version would let the veteran select exactly which sections to share.