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METHODOLOGY

What this financial planner actually calculates

A basic budget adds income and spending. This planner separates core commitments, everyday essentials, current flexible spending, debt and the monthly contribution required to reach a goal by a chosen date.

The four signals behind your diagnosis

Commitment ratio shows how much income is already spoken for before lifestyle spending. Emergency runway estimates how many months of core essentials accessible savings could cover. Goal pressure compares the required monthly contribution with available capacity. Flexible-spend ratio identifies the part of the month that can be adjusted without treating food, housing or debt minimums as optional.

These are coaching signals, not universal rules. A sustainable plan depends on income stability, household responsibilities, local cost of living and personal priorities. That is why the report shows several timelines instead of prescribing one percentage to everyone.

Why the report includes confidence questions

Financial well-being is not explained by income alone. Feeling in control month to month, being able to absorb a shock, progressing toward goals and retaining freedom of choice all matter. The two short context questions help the report avoid treating identical numbers as identical lives.

Research basis: the CFPB financial well-being framework and MoneyHelper budgeting methodology. Mizan’s persona and ratios are its own educational interpretation, not an official CFPB score.