SoFi

The reverse budgeting method is an approach that prioritizes savings. Budgets typically start by looking at monthly bills and expenses and allocating whatever is left over to saving. Reverse budgeting turns this approach on its head — it considers savings first and spending second.

Also known as the “pay yourself first” method, reverse budgeting starts by allocating a certain amount of your monthly income to your savings goals (such as retirement or an emergency fund). Whatever is left over after that is how much you have to spend. Essentially, it involves pretending that your paycheck is smaller than it actually is.

If your top goal is saving or you’ve tried budgeting in the past without complete success, the reverse budget might be for you. Here’s what reverse budgeting means and how it works.

Reverse Budgeting Explained

The reverse budgeting method prioritizes setting money aside for your savings and investing goals. This might include building an emergency fund, saving for a new car or down payment on a house, or investing for retirement. Once that money has been set aside, the rest of your income can be used to cover your living expenses.

Reverse budgeting usually involves setting up automatic contributions to savings, typically on payday. As a result, the money leaves your bank account before you get a chance to spend it. That’s why this method is also known as the “pay yourself first” approach.

How Reverse Budgeting Differs from Traditional Budgeting

Making a budget typically involves listing all of your monthly expenses and assigning a portion of income to each category (e.g., housing, groceries, transportation). The goal is to ensure that expenses don’t exceed income, and any leftover funds can be saved or invested. This approach often requires meticulous tracking and discipline to avoid overspending in any category.

By contrast, reverse budgeting starts by looking at your financial goals and the things you want to save for. It helps you determine how much you need to put aside each month to accomplish them. You then subtract that sum from your monthly pay; what’s left is how much you have to spend on everything else.

Steps to Create a Reverse Budget

Creating a reverse budget tends to be less complicated than setting up other types of budgets. It doesn’t require establishing spending categories and totals for how much you will spend on each. That said, there are a few steps involved. Here’s a look at how to do a reverse budget.

1. Assess Your Spending

To know how to set your savings goals, you’ll need to get a general sense of your current cash flow. You can do this by pulling the last few months of financial statements, then adding up how much is coming in and going each month on average. You might also want to make a list of your essential monthly expenses, as well as how much you tend to spend each month on nonessentials.

This type of spending audit will give you a clear picture of your spending patterns. It can also help you identify any discretionary spending you may be able to reduce to accommodate your savings goals. There are also budgeting apps that can do a lot of this work for you. Start by seeing what your financial institution offers that could help with this process.

2. Identifying Your Savings Goals

Next, you’ll want to think about your savings goals. These might include building an emergency fund, saving for a down payment on a house, doing a home renovation, going on a vacation, paying for a wedding, contributing to retirement accounts, or any other financial objectives.

You’ll likely want to set your savings goals in terms of dollars as well as the timeframe within which you want to work.

3. Allocate Income to Savings

Once you’ve identified your savings goals, you might pick just a couple to start with. For each, as noted, you’ll have determined how much money you’ll need, along with a realistic timeline for reaching the goal. With that information in mind, you can then allocate a portion of your income to each goal.

For example, if you want to save $5,000 for an emergency fund over the next year, you would need to save approximately $417 per month.

As you go through this step, you’ll want to be realistic about how much you can afford to siphon off your paycheck for savings. It’s important to have enough spending money left over to cover your bills and also have some fun.

Recommended: 10 Most Common Budgeting Mistakes

4. Automate Your Saving

To ensure consistency and reduce the temptation to spend your savings, it’s a good idea to automate the saving process. If you have a 401(k) at work, you can do this by letting your employer know how much of your paycheck to put into your retirement account.

For shorter-term goals, consider setting up an automatic transfer from your checking account to a savings account for the same day each month, ideally right after you get paid. Some employers even allow you to split up your direct deposit into two different bank accounts.

5. Make Adjustments as Needed

Once you’re living on your reverse budget, you may find that you don’t have enough wiggle room to comfortably cover your bills and everyday spending. Or you might realize that you can afford to put more money towards savings and, in turn, reach your goals faster. Either way, it’s important to periodically reassess your reverse budget and, if necessary, make some adjustments in your savings rate.

This is especially important as your life circumstances and financial goals change. If you get a raise, for example, consider increasing your savings rate (this can help you avoid lifestyle creep). Conversely, if you encounter unexpected expenses, you may need to temporarily reduce your savings rate to accommodate these costs.

Pros and Cons of Reverse Budgeting

As with any financial strategy, reverse budgeting has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons can help you determine if this method is right for you.

Pros of Reverse Budgeting

First, consider the upsides of reverse budgeting:

•   It can help you reach your goals faster: One of the main advantages of reverse budgeting is that it takes savings right off the top of your paycheck. This can help you build an emergency fund, save for a major purchase, or invest for retirement more quickly than traditional budgeting methods.

•   Low maintenance: Reverse budgeting simplifies the budgeting process. Instead of meticulously tracking every expense category, you focus on saving a predetermined amount and spend the remainder as you see fit. This low-maintenance approach can be particularly appealing for those who find traditional budgeting too time-consuming and/or restrictive.

•   Spending without guilt: With reverse budgeting, you can enjoy spending within the limits of your remaining income. Since your savings goals are already met, you have the freedom to spend on discretionary items without worrying that you are derailing your future progress.

In these ways, the reverse budgeting method can help you prioritize savings and achieve financial security.

Recommended: The Most Important Components of a Successful Budget

Cons of Reverse Budgeting

Next, keep these potential downsides of reverse budgeting in mind:

•   It could lead to overspending: Since reverse budgeting doesn’t require setting up spending categories and strict spending limits for each one, you could end up overspending on certain things. Then, you might have to dip into savings to cover the shortfall.

•   You might be better off focusing on debt: If you have high-interest debt, paying down those balances could provide a better return on investment than saving or investing. If this is the case, a more traditional budgeting approach that prioritizes debt repayment might be more effective.

•   Not ideal for people with variable income: Reverse budgeting generally depends on earning a set amount of money each month. For people with variable income, such as freelancers or those with seasonal work schedules, maintaining a fixed savings rate could be challenging.

The Takeaway

Reverse budgeting, also known as the “pay yourself first” method, prioritizes saving and simplifies the entire budgeting process. By automating saving, it also reduces the chance that you’ll spend money today that you were intending to set aside for the future. However, reverse budgeting may not be the best approach if you have a lot of high-interest debt or your income fluctuates. You might be better off with another budgeting technique.

Choosing the right banking partner can also help you budget more effectively.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

How does reverse budgeting help with saving money?

Reverse budgeting helps with saving money by prioritizing savings over expenditures. With this approach, you allocate a set percentage or amount of your income to savings first and then use the remaining amount to cover your expenses. This ensures that you don’t spend money you were planning to use for future goals.

Can reverse budgeting work for irregular income?

Reverse budgeting can be challenging for those with irregular income, such as gig workers. Here’s why: It relies on setting aside a certain amount of money into savings each month — before other expenses are paid. If your income fluctuates significantly, it may be difficult to meet your savings goal monthly.

However, you may be able to make it work by taking a flexible approach. For example, you might set a minimum savings rate based on your lowest expected income and then, during higher-income months, increase your savings contributions. Building an emergency fund can also help smooth out the fluctuations.

Is reverse budgeting suitable for paying off debt?

Reverse budgeting isn’t ideal for paying off debt, since it focuses on saving first, which can divert funds from debt repayment. If you have significant high-interest debt, prioritizing debt repayment might provide better financial benefits in the long run compared to the returns from savings or investments.

However, you might consider a hybrid approach — allocating a portion of your income to debt repayment and another to savings, ensuring you address both goals.

---

About the author

---

Photo credit: iStock/Goodboy Picture Company

SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

*Awards or rankings from NerdWallet are not indicative of future success or results. This award and its ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOBNK-Q324-035

Read more

Financial decisions are difficult enough on your own. But they can get even harder when you bring a significant other into the mix. After all, you both are coming from different life experiences and may have very different (often deep-seated) views on money, including how it should be spent and whether it should be saved.

Not surprisingly, money is a common cause of stress in relationships and, if left unaddressed, it can start impacting more things than just your bank account. Research consistently shows that financial problems and disagreements over money is a leading cause of divorce.

Considering how personal, and therefore complicated, each partner’s relationship with money can be, navigating money conversations can be tricky.

A great first step is to understand that financial decision-making as a couple may not come naturally, and that’s completely fine. These conversations take practice. What follows are a few strategies to try and some ideas to keep in mind when making financial decisions with your partner.

Common Causes of Couple Money Fights

Whether you and your partner are struggling to make a particular money decision or generally don’t see eye to eye on money, know that money fights are normal and common. Here’s a look at some of the most common hot button issues for couples.

💡 Quick Tip: Don’t think too hard about your money. Automate your budgeting, saving, and spending with SoFi’s seamless and secure mobile banking app.

Sharing Account Information

Some couples struggle with privacy limits and may disagree about what level of access their partner should have to their financial accounts. If one partner feels they don’t have fair access to financial accounts, passwords, and paperwork, resentment can build.

Married couples in particular may find it confusing and challenging to not have a full picture of their complete financial health.

Determining Budgeting and Spending Limits

Maybe one of you likes to spend and enjoy life, while the other prefers to save for a rainy day. This disconnect happens all the time. Not all couples agree on how much they should be spending versus putting aside for the future and this can lead to anger and tension.

Dealing With Past Debt

If one partner brings a sizable amount of debt into the relationship, couples may disagree about who is responsible for paying off the debt.

You might take some solace in knowing that debts brought into a marriage stay with the person who incurred them and are not extended to a spouse. It won’t hurt the other partner’s credit rating (which is linked to their Social Security number and tracked individually). In most states, however, debts incurred after marriage jointly are owed by both spouses.

Saving and Investing

Many couples can’t agree on how much money they should save each month, as well as how they should be saving it. One partner may feel investing is the best path to a stronger financial future, while the other might be more risk averse, preferring to stash extra funds in a high-yield savings account.

7 Tips for Making Financial Decisions as a Couple

Just having a conversation about money with your significant other can be fraught. Coming to an agreement on how to manage your money is often even harder. Fortunately, these eight strategies can help you find common ground.

1. Make a Date to Talk

Your instincts might tell you to dive headfirst into a big money talk in order to get it the heck out of the way. But this may not be your best strategy. No one is their best self when they feel caught off guard. A conversation about a tough financial decision will likely be more productive when there are two calm, prepared people at the table.

Instead of bringing up the topic of money out of the blue, you might give your partner some notice. You can simply set a time to talk about the financial decision at hand. Or, you might want to turn it into a real “date” and treat yourself to a coffee at the local shop or pick up your favorite take-out dinner. Either way, the most important thing is that you have a designated time for the talk. This strategy can be applied to discussing one particular financial decision, or you can utilize it on a regular basis.

Recommended: How to Make Talking About Finances Fun, Not a Fight

2. Write It Out

Sometimes, it’s simply hard to communicate how you feel. This is especially true for topics that affect us deeply and in confusing ways, like money. If you and your partner are people that like to put their feelings down in writing, consider writing each other a letter prior to your financial “date.”

In your letter, you might include some background on how you were raised to think about money, your money stressors, and your financial goals. Focus the letter on yourself and from where your financial beliefs stem.

Not only will this help your partner understand where you are coming from, but it can also provide you with some very useful introspection about money and your system of values.

3. Be Prepared to Listen

When making financial decisions, your main objective should not be to explain your point of view. To have a truly productive conversation, you must be committed to listening, too. This is good practice in all conversations with your partner and loved ones, but especially when talking about financial decisions.

Here’s the thing about making financial decisions: It’s rarely black and white and, generally, there is no right and no wrong. Being open to listening often translates into being open to learning.

Not only is your partner’s perspective important, but you might even be able to learn something from them. We’re all learning as we go anyway, and by listening, you have a chance to learn and evolve as a couple.

Recommended: How to Budget As a Couple and Why It’s Important

4. Be Communicative

One key to having a productive and healthy conversation regarding money or a specific financial decision with your partner is to communicate your feelings, thoughts, and fears. Something that seems obvious to you may not be obvious to them, so give your partner the benefit of explaining yourself in a calm and thorough way.

When you communicate, try to stick with talking about how you feel regarding a matter and avoid making declarations about what your partner has done in the past or what you’re hoping that they will do in the future.

Making comments about how a person is spending can quickly turn accusatory, putting them on the defensive. Even when having tough conversations, do your best to remove judgment from the equation.

Also, it’s best not to assume that just because you have explained something to your partner once, that they understand what you mean and where you are coming from. Don’t lose your cool if you have to remind your partner what’s important or a priority to you, especially if your priorities don’t align on this particular issue.

Recommended: Guide to Improving Your Money Mindset

5. Crunch the Numbers

Sometimes, the numbers help guide financial decision-making within a relationship. It can be worth taking the time to figure out exactly how each financial decision would play out over the short and long term.

By breaking big costs down into monthly numbers, you and your partner can see on paper what is possible (and what isn’t). The exercise may provide a new perspective altogether or, at the very least, get you on the same page regarding the different options with your money.

If you feel at a loss for what you should be focusing on or how to accomplish your goals, you may want to hire a financial expert, such as a credentialed financial planner. Some financial guidance from a person skilled in financial planning could be just what a couple needs to step up their money game.

6. Compromise

If you’re in a partnership, you already know that compromise is key. The good news is that with money, compromising is not only possible but often ideal. For example, you don’t have to pick just one savings goal to work on at a time. Financial decisions don’t have to be one or the other. Indeed, a multi-pronged approach is often the best way to build financial security.

Also, know that there is no perfect formula for how a couple makes financial decisions. Just because your best friend and her spouse divide their finances in a certain way or prioritize certain money goals over others doesn’t mean that you have to do it this way. Part of compromise with your partner is abandoning the idea that your partnership should work like anyone else’s.

7. Put Plans Into Action

Once you’ve hashed out your money goals and fears with your honey, and made some key financial decisions together, it’s a good idea to come up with an actionable plan to make your shared goals a reality.

If you’ve decided that you want to purchase a home in two years, for example, figure out how much of a downpayment you’ll need and, then, how much money you need to siphon into savings each month to reach your goal. You might then set up an automatic transfer from your checking account(s) and into your joint savings account each month.

A fringe benefit of making financial decisions as a couple is that you have a built-in accountability buddy to make sure you follow through on your plan and don’t spend that savings on something else.

Smart Money Decisions Couples Make

Here’s a look at some smart money moves you may want to make as a couple:

•   Opening joint accounts: Having at least one joint bank account can simplify your finances and make it easier to work towards your shared goals. That said, you don’t have to merge everything. You might decide to keep individual accounts for personal use — this gives each partner some freedom to spend on themselves without having to explain their expenditures.

•   Labeling your savings: Having separate savings accounts for separate goals (even giving them labels, like a “downpayment” or “vacation” account) can help you stay on track and reach your goals sooner. Some savings accounts have a sub-savings account feature, which allows you to split funds in one primary savings account into separate categories.

•   Automate your savings: It can be smart to set up recurring automated transfers from your checking account(s) to your savings and investment accounts based on your goals.

•   Increasing your emergency reserve: Your emergency fund should be large enough to cover living expenses — for both of you and any dependents — for anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on your situation.

Recommended: Survey Says: Couples That Pool Finances Are Happier

The Takeaway

Talking about money with your partner isn’t always easy, but having honest discussions about your financial situation and goals is critical. This can help you better understand each other, make important financial decisions as a couple, and come up with a plan that can make your shared goals and dreams a reality.

Interested in opening an online bank account? When you sign up for a SoFi Checking and Savings account with eligible direct deposit, you’ll get a competitive annual percentage yield (APY), pay zero account fees, and enjoy an array of rewards, such as access to the Allpoint Network of 55,000+ fee-free ATMs globally. Qualifying accounts can even access their paycheck up to two days early.

Better banking is here with SoFi, NerdWallet’s 2024 winner for Best Checking Account Overall.* Enjoy 3.30% APY on SoFi Checking and Savings with eligible direct deposit.

FAQ

Should married couples make financial decisions together?

Even if you don’t merge all of your money, it can be a good idea to work together on some key financial decisions that will impact both of your futures. Making financial decisions together can have multiple benefits, including increased closeness and trust, less conflict over money, and better financial outcomes.

How should money be split in a relationship?

There are several methods couples can use to manage money and cover their living expenses. One option is to merge all or some of your funds in a joint bank account and use it to pay for shared expenses. Another option is to keep separate accounts, but have each partner make equal payments towards shared expenses.

A third approach you might consider is to split bills proportionally based on each partner’s income. So if one partner makes 70% of the total household income, they would then cover 70% of shared expenses, while the other partner would pay for 30%.

What are financial red flags in a relationship?

Financial red flags are money issues that are either currently causing problems in a relationship or have the potential to do so in the future. While they are not necessarily deal-breakers, they are harbingers of future relationship and financial strain. If you notice any of the following six signs, it’s important to deal with them promptly, ideally before your life is too intertwined with your partner’s.

•   Unwillingness to discuss money

•   Excessive credit card or other debt

•   Flaunting their wealth

•   Severe frugality

•   Using money to manipulate or shame

•   Keeping secrets or telling lies about money

---

About the author

---

Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

Eligible Direct Deposit means a recurring deposit of regular income to an account holder’s SoFi Checking or Savings account, including payroll, pension, or government benefit payments (e.g., Social Security), made by the account holder’s employer, payroll or benefits provider or government agency (“Eligible Direct Deposit”) via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) Network every 31 calendar days.

Although we do our best to recognize all Eligible Direct Deposits, a small number of employers, payroll providers, benefits providers, or government agencies do not designate payments as direct deposit. To ensure you're earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, we encourage you to check your APY Details page the day after your Eligible Direct Deposit posts to your SoFi account. If your APY is not showing as the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit, contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. As long as SoFi Bank can validate those details, you will start earning the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit from the date you contact SoFi for the next 31 calendar days. You will also be eligible for the APY for account holders with Eligible Direct Deposit on future Eligible Direct Deposits, as long as SoFi Bank can validate them.

Deposits that are not from an employer, payroll, or benefits provider or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, Wise, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g., IRS tax refunds), do not constitute Eligible Direct Deposit activity. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. SoFi Bank shall, in its sole discretion, assess each account holder's Eligible Direct Deposit activity to determine the applicability of rates and may request additional documentation for verification of eligibility.

See additional details at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. The SoFi® Bank Debit Mastercard® is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and can be used everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

SOBK0324001

Read more