How to handle debt with variable income

The missing playbook for entrepreneurs

Every debt book assumes steady income. If yours isn't, those plans break by month three. You need a different approach.

Plan in two modes. Floor mode for slow months: protect the essentials. Surge mode for good months: throw everything at your target debt.

Able is built around this. That's why you're here.

Key points

• Build a buffer first. Stack one full month of bills in a separate savings account before aggressive debt payoff. Slow months won't force you back onto cards.
• Know your floor. The exact monthly minimum to cover every debt. Never go below it.
• Surge on good months. Big check? Most of the surplus goes to your target debt. Not lifestyle. Not catching up. Straight to debt.
• Review every 30 days. Variable income means the plan flexes. Check your floor, buffer, and debt progress once a month. Adjust.

Use the app

Allocate handles this automatically. Log income, Able splits it across bills, target debt, and buffer based on your settings. The system works for you.