CAR LOAN CALCULATOR

Online Loan Help

Experts say your monthly car payment should be about 20 percent of your gross income.

Now obviously this is a rough measure. If you're single and live with your parents, you'll have fewer expenses and can pay more; if you're maxed out on credit cards or live in an expensive place, you'll need to think smaller.

Remember, too, when setting your budget that you'll need to include extra fees (such as taxes and titles). The bottom line? Having a budget can help keep you out of trouble (even if you go over it a little bit in the end).