Make Smarter Financial Decisions for Life’s Biggest Purchases
Stop relying on outdated industry rules and marketing-driven spending formulas. WhatShouldISpend.com helps you determine what you can actually afford for major life purchases based on your complete financial picture—not arbitrary percentages that ignore your unique situation.
COMPLETE FINANCIAL ANALYSIS FOR THE MODERN DAY
Generic financial Rules Don’t Work
Spend 3 months’ salary on a ring.” “Your wedding should cost 10-20% of income.” These one-size-fits-all rules ignore your debt, savings goals, monthly expenses, and competing priorities. Following them can lead to financial stress, delayed life goals, or unnecessary sacrifice when smarter options exist.
The tools you need for success
Our calculators don’t just look at your income—they consider your savings, debt obligations, monthly expenses, timeline, and other financial goals. Get recommendations grounded in your reality, not industry marketing. See exactly what you’re giving up (or gaining) with different spending choices.
See the real trade-offs
Every spending decision has consequences. We show you exactly how different budget choices impact your other goals—like how spending $40k versus $30k on a wedding delays buying a house by 14 months. Make decisions with full visibility into what you’re trading, avoiding regret later.
OUR TOP FINANCIAL TOOLS
FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
Historical Inflation Calculator
Compare actual historical prices from 1970-2025 with our inflation calculator. See how milk, housing, gas, and college costs changed—and why some got cheaper while others skyrocketed.
MAJOR PURCHASE PLANNING
Engagement Ring Cost Calculator
You already know the 3-month salary myth is a lie, but exactly much should you spend on an engagement ring? Our free calculator shows what you can afford based on your income & goals.
MAJOR PURCHASE PLANNING
Wedding Budget Calculator
Use our easy interactive calculator to determine exactly how much you can afford to spend on your dream wedding based on your finances. Don’t start your new life in debt.
SAVINGS & FUTURE PLANNING
Future College Cost Calculator
See what private college will actually cost when your child is ready to enroll. Our calculator projects tuition and total costs based on 50 years of inflation data, plus a monthly savings target to help you plan.
