Financial Survival Runway: What to Do if You are Drowning in Debt
“You are not just a number. You are one decision away from breathing again.”
Survival Runway
Calculate how long your business or household can operate with current liquid assets.
Why Most Budgeting Apps Fail You
Debt feels like drowning because it takes away your air—your cash flow. Most budgeting apps show you pretty charts and tell you to “spend less,” but they don’t answer the one question that keeps you up at night: How long can I survive?
The Financial Survival Runway Calculator above cuts through the noise. It gives you one number that matters: how many months you have left before your liquid savings run out.
What Your Runway Number Means
đź”´ Critical (Less than 3 months): You’re in the danger zone. This is the time to make aggressive changes—cut non-essentials, negotiate with creditors, or find additional income sources immediately.
đźź Caution (3-6 months): You have breathing room, but not much. Use this time to build a stronger financial buffer and reduce monthly expenses where possible.
🟢 Healthy (6+ months): You’re in a secure position. Focus on maintaining this runway while working on long-term debt reduction strategies.
Three Actions You Can Take Right Now
1. Know Your Number: Use the calculator above to see exactly where you stand. Update it monthly to track your progress.
2. Extend Your Runway: Every dollar you save or earn extends your survival time. Even small changes compound—cutting $100/month adds 1.2 months to a $10,000 runway.
3. Plan Your Next Move: Your runway number isn’t a death sentence—it’s a planning tool. Use it to make informed decisions about debt consolidation, side income, or expense cuts.
Remember: Financial stress is temporary. With the right information and action plan, you can turn your situation around. Start by knowing your runway.