List the amount, frequency, and due date
Start with bills and subscriptions you expect to repeat. For each one, note the amount charged, how often it repeats, and when the next payment is due. Put recurring income, such as a paycheck, on the same calendar so you can see whether money arrives before or after a bill.
A monthly equivalent helps you compare different frequencies. It is a planning average, not the amount collected every month. An annual bill still needs its full amount on its due date.
A mixed-frequency example
Suppose these four charges are all in euros and continue for a year at the stated prices. They are hypothetical; the due dates illustrate how a schedule can differ from an average. The estimate uses 52 weekly, 12 monthly, 4 quarterly, and 1 annual payment per year.
| Charge | Amount and frequency | Example due dates | Per year | Per month equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly class | €8.00 weekly | Every Friday | €416.00 | €34.67 |
| Streaming | €15.00 monthly | 2nd of each month | €180.00 | €15.00 |
| Gym membership | €90.00 quarterly | 10 Jan, Apr, Jul, Oct | €360.00 | €30.00 |
| Software plan | €240.00 annually | 5 November | €240.00 | €20.00 |
| Total estimated cost | €1,196.00 | €99.67 | ||
The weekly class is €8 × 52 = €416 a year; streaming is €15 × 12 = €180; gym membership is €90 × 4 = €360; and software is €240 × 1 = €240. Together that is €1,196.00 a year. Dividing by 12 gives €99.67 a month, rounded to cents.
Keep the real payment dates in your plan
The €90 gym charge arrives in one quarterly payment, not as €30 taken each month. The €240 software charge arrives on 5 November, not as €20 taken monthly. Setting money aside over time can help, but if that date is close, you may need more than one month’s equivalent ready now.
For example, if a paycheck arrives on the 28th and an annual bill is due on the 5th, check that the previous paycheck or an existing reserve covers it. Review the balance around the due date, not only the monthly average. Price changes, taxes, fees, canceled plans, and a year with a different number of weekly charge dates can change the actual total.
Compare costs, then schedule the payments
Use the free Subscription Cost Calculator to enter the four charges above or your own recurring costs in one currency. It shows estimated annual and monthly-equivalent totals. It does not ask for due dates, include recurring income, save your entries, or place charges on a calendar.
For an ongoing budget, Spendly Budget’s recurring payments feature can create scheduled income or expenses and show their generated payments in future budget periods. Add the dates and amounts there separately, then review the results against your actual bills. Availability and limits depend on your plan.
Want to keep a recurring plan in Spendly Budget? Create a free account and enter the schedules there separately.