Planning
What if we cut our work hours?
Thinking about one of you cutting back on hours? See how much your savings would drop and how long your buffer would last if income changes.
Step 1 of 3
Cutting your hours
How much income would drop (and whether expenses change too).
How much would income drop per month?
$
The net amount you'd stop earning each month.
Would you save on any expenses? (optional)
$
For example, less childcare, commuting, or eating out.
How we calculate it
We apply the income drop (minus any expense savings, if there are any) to your current situation and compare your monthly savings, savings rate, and buffer before and after.
What to watch for
What matters isn't just how much your savings drop, but whether they stay positive. If they go negative, it's worth knowing how long you could keep up that pace using your savings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know how much my income would drop?
As a rough estimate, the drop is usually proportional to the reduction in hours (for example, cutting hours by 20% lowers that person's net pay by roughly 20%). Check your pay stub or ask your employer to get a more precise figure.
Does cutting hours also lower expenses?
Sometimes, yes: less commuting, fewer meals out, or fewer hours of childcare. You can subtract those savings to see the real net effect on your finances.
What if my savings go negative?
It means you'd be spending more than you earn and dipping into your buffer. The calculator estimates how many months your current savings would last at that rate.
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