Safe to Spend
Safe to Spend explained
Safe to Spend estimates what remains available after protecting your commitments and chosen cushion at the forecast’s lowest point.
Lowest projected balance$1,901
Protected safety buffer−$1,000
Safe to Spend$901
The formula
Safe to Spend = lowest projected balance − safety buffer. If that result is below zero, Cusp shows $0 rather than suggesting additional spending.
A worked example
Your current balance might be $4,200, but rent and other activity could bring the 30-day low to $1,901. With a $1,000 buffer, Safe to Spend is $901—not $3,200—because the calculation protects the tightest day ahead.
When no buffer is set
Cusp uses $0 as the floor and says so clearly. A scenario can technically fit while leaving only a few dollars, so the resulting low balance remains visible. Choosing “Keep using $0” records that as a deliberate preference.