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Where Is My Money Going? FAQ

This FAQ explains what to include as recurring costs and how to interpret your result.
Want to calculate now? Go to Where Is My Money Going?

Q1: What does “Where Is My Money Going?” tell me?

It shows your recurring costs total and how heavy that burden is compared to your income.

Q2: What should I include as recurring costs?

Subscriptions and repeating charges like streaming, apps, memberships, small services, cloud storage, small fees, and similar repeating items.

Q3: What should I NOT include?

Avoid putting rent/mortgage and big core bills here. This tool is focused on “recurring leaks” and repeating charges you can audit and reduce.

Q4: Why does the tool compare recurring costs to income?

Because the impact depends on what share of income is consumed. The same $200/month is minor for some and heavy for others.

Q5: What do “Light / Noticeable / Heavy” mean?

They describe the burden range based on the percentage of income consumed by recurring costs. The goal is not perfection — it’s visibility and control.

Q6: Why does this matter if each subscription is small?

Small recurring charges stack. People underestimate totals because they experience them one at a time.

Q7: How often should I re-check this?

Any time you add a subscription, renew something, or feel money “leaking” with no clear reason. Monthly is a good rhythm.

Q8: What is the benefit of the Excel version?

The Excel version supports weekly/bi-weekly/monthly/annual frequencies, lets you tag necessity, and can show the impact of cutting items marked “Unnecessary.”

Q9: Is the goal to cancel everything?

No. The goal is to make recurring costs intentional — keep what you value and cut what you don’t.

Q10: Is this financial advice?

No. It’s a planning and awareness tool.

Go back to the calculator: Where Is My Money Going?

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