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Can I Afford a New iPhone?
Tech, Electronics & Major Purchases
Flagship phones feel small next to a house payment—but they still fail the cash-cushion test when the emergency fund is thin. This page starts at a typical ~$1,200 unlocked iPhone price.
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Affordability check-ins
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Plain-English guide
Terms & how it works
Confused by a field? Read the short definitions here while you use the tool.
Income
Money you earn that can support a payment. Higher stable income usually increases what looks affordable.
Existing debts
Other monthly obligations (loans, cards). More debt leaves less room for a new payment.
Target price / cost
The sticker price or annual cost you’re checking against your budget.
Cash Cushion Check
Before a big one-time purchase, confirm you can pay without dropping below 3 months of essential expenses in cash.
- 3 months of expenses is a common starter emergency fund.
- 6 months is stronger if income is variable or household size is larger.
- Financing a lifestyle purchase often fails the cushion test.
How to use this calculator
- Set the phone (or storage/config) price.
- Enter cash on hand and monthly essentials.
- See whether buying now protects a 3-month cushion.
- Or read how many months of saving close the gap.
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