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Fixed and flexible costs
What you can change this month, and what you can't.
Splitting costs into fixed and flexible shows where you have room to move.
The difference
- Fixed: the same each month, like rent, insurance and loan payments
- Flexible: changes month to month, like groceries, gas and eating out
- Occasional: once or a few times a year, like car registration or gifts
Why it matters
Flexible costs are where you can make changes quickly. Fixed costs take longer to change, but often save more once you do.
General educational information, not personal financial advice. The Thrift Ledger isn't paid by any bank, lender or budgeting app.