Bill Brandt Ford · 2400 Balfour Rd, Brentwood, CA
(925) 555-1234
MIKE Miracle Whip
Text Mike
Free Tool · Affordability

What can you actually afford? Without filling out a credit app.

See what fits, what to skip, and which Fords on the lot today match your real budget. No score check. Your number goes to one phone — mine.

  • Zero credit pulls
  • Uses the 15% rule
  • No data sold to lenders

Your budget

Numbers only — no credit, no name, no email.
$

After taxes. Household total if a partner is on the loan.

$

Rent or mortgage + credit-card minimums + other loans. Not utilities or groceries.

$
$
60 mo
3648607284

Assumes ~8.5% APR. Shorter term = stricter budget, less total interest.

Debt-to-income ratio 37% · Healthy
36% 43%

Most lenders flag total debt-to-income over 43%. You're well inside.

The 15% rule — and why it matters

  1. 01
    What it is.

    Financial advisors recommend your car payment stay under 15% of your monthly take-home. If you make $6,000/month after taxes, that's $900 max.

  2. 02
    What dealerships do.

    F&I desks are trained to stretch you to "what your credit allows," not what your budget allows. They make more when you finance a $50K SUV than a $30K one — even if both have you on the road safely.

  3. 03
    Why the stretch hurts later.

    The $750/month payment that fits today breaks when the kid needs braces, the AC dies, or the job changes.

Common questions before you text me

Is this an actual pre-approval?
No — by design. A real pre-approval requires a credit pull and a lender. This is a budget conversation with yourself, free of any credit hit.
Does Mike see my income?
Only if you tap send to my phone. Even then, it goes to my personal cell — not a dealer database, not a credit file, not a lead network. Reply STOP and it's gone.
What if I want to stretch beyond 15%?
Tell me. There are situations where stretching is fine (income about to bump, no other debt, large emergency fund). There are situations where it's a trap. I'll tell you which one yours is.
Does this include insurance, gas, maintenance?
Just the loan payment. Add $150–$250/month for full-coverage insurance + fuel + service. I'll break out the real cost of ownership before you commit.
Get the list

Send my budget + matching Fords.

Three real cars on the lot today that hit your comfort number — texted to your phone, not a lead network.

Your numbers go to my phone — never a lender or a lead network.

FAQ

Will using this tool affect my credit score?

Zero impact. Nothing here pulls credit. This is math, not a loan application.

What counts as "monthly debt"?

Minimum payments on credit cards, student loans, other car loans, alimony/child support. Not utilities or groceries.

Do I include my spouse's income?

Only if you're putting them on the loan too. Otherwise, just yours.

Why is your "max budget" lower than the bank's pre-approval?

Because banks approve you for what you can technically pay — not what you should pay. There's a difference, and it's why people end up upside-down.

Can I really get a Ford in my budget?

Almost always, yes. The 2024 Maverick starts at $24K. The Escape starts at $29K. We have used inventory under $20K weekly. I'll show you what fits.

Next steps
Run the exact payment On a specific Ford
Got a trade? Add that equity to your down payment