Guilt Free — Guilt-Free Spending
Also known as: Fun money, personal budget, spending money
Guilt Free is money you can spend without a bad conscience — on eating out, hobbies, electronics, trips, anything that brings you joy. It's not a luxury, it's a deliberate part of your budget.
How much should it be?
There's no fixed rule. Typically 5–10% of net income. At €3,000 net, that's €150–300. What matters: the amount should feel affordable but enough to actually enjoy. Better a bit less and sustainable.
How do you implement it?
Transfer the amount to a separate account or card at the start of the month. That's your fun budget. When it's empty, that's it — until next month. This way you automatically stay on track.
Why is this important?
A budget without fun doesn't work. If you deny yourself everything, you won't last — and eventually spend uncontrollably. Guilt Free solves this: you know exactly how much you have for fun. When the account is empty, get creative for the rest of the month. But no guilt, because the money was budgeted for it.
BudgetHeld says
In BudgetHeld, Guilt Free has its own section — equal to Saving and Investing. Because fun isn't a leftover, it's a core part of a healthy budget.
Related tools
Budget tool — Guilt Free section →Related Terms
Written by David El Dib — Financial expert & founder of MoneyTalk