Founder and Editor · Financial Planner
Sepehr Parsa
“In a slowing economy, a budget is what keeps you afloat.”
Sepehr Parsa is a financial planner and the founder and editor of DollarMap. He has passed Level II of the CFA Program and completed the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the Conduct and Practices Handbook (CPH) course. He writes and edits our guides on cars, home repairs, budgeting, saving and investing, and checks that every number has a source.
Credentials
- Passed Level II of the CFA® Program
- Canadian Securities Course (CSC)
- Conduct and Practices Handbook (CPH)
Writes about
Guides by Sepehr
BudgetingCalculator50/30/20 Budget Calculator: How to Split Your Take-Home PayUse our 50/30/20 budget calculator to split take-home pay. On $5,000 a month: $2,500 for needs, $1,500 for wants and $1,000 for savings and debt.
BudgetingAverage Grocery Bill per Month in 2026The average grocery bill in 2026 runs about $808 a month for a couple and $1,389 for a family of four on USDA's moderate plan. See costs by household size.
Saving & InvestingAverage Savings by Age in 2026Average savings by age: US families had a median $8,200 in bank accounts in 2025, per the Fed's new SCF. See savings, retirement and net worth by age group.
BudgetingAverage Utility Bills per Month in 2026The average utility bill in 2026 is about $363 a month for electric, gas, water and trash, per doxo. Add about $81 for internet. See each bill and how to save.
CarsHow Much Does Brake Replacement Cost in 2026?Brake replacement cost in 2026: about $335 to $394 for pads on one axle, or $901 to $1,084 with rotors. See pad, rotor and caliper prices, and how to save.
CarsCar Battery Replacement Cost in 2026Car battery replacement cost in 2026: about $268 to $493 installed for a regular 12-volt battery, and $5,000 to $20,000+ for an EV pack. See what drives it.
CarsHow Much Is Car Insurance in 2026?Car insurance cost in 2026: about $2,361 a year for full coverage and $648 for minimum. See rates by age, driving record and credit, plus ways to pay less.
CarsCalculatorCar Loan Calculator: Monthly Payment, Interest and How Much Car You Can AffordCar loan calculator with 2026 averages: new car loans average $43,610 at 6.35% APR, or $765 a month. See rates by credit score and how much car you can afford.
Saving & InvestingCD vs High-Yield Savings Account: Which Earns More in 2026?CD vs high yield savings in Oct 2026: top 1-year CDs pay 4.60% APY, top savings about 4% to 4.4%. See what $10,000 earns in each and which to pick.
CarsElectric vs Gas Car Cost in 2026: Which Is Cheaper to Own?Electric vs gas car cost in 2026: an EV compact SUV costs about $11,888 a year to own vs $11,656 for gas, per AAA. See fuel, insurance and depreciation.
Saving & InvestingCalculatorEmergency Fund Calculator: How Much Should You Save?Use our emergency fund calculator to size your goal. 3 to 6 months of essentials is the rule; for the average US household that's about $13,000 to $26,000.
Home & RepairsHow Much Does It Cost to Paint a House Exterior in 2026?Exterior house painting cost averages $3,178 in 2026, and most owners pay $1,819 to $4,551. See prices by size, stories, siding, prep work and DIY.
Home & RepairsHow Much Does Foundation Repair Cost in 2026?Foundation repair cost in 2026 averages about $5,179, with most jobs $2,224 to $8,134. See prices for cracks, piers, slabjacking and waterproofing.
Home & RepairsHow Much Does a New Furnace Cost in 2026?Furnace replacement cost in 2026 averages about $4,800 installed, with most homes paying $2,823 to $6,888. See prices by fuel, home size and extras.
Home & RepairsHow Much Does a Home Inspection Cost in 2026?Home inspection cost in 2026 averages $344, and most buyers pay $296 to $425. See prices by home size and city, plus radon, pest and sewer add-ons.
BudgetingHow Much House Can I Afford in 2026?How much house can I afford in 2026? With the 28/36 rule and a 7.40% rate, a $100,000 income buys about $338,000 with 20% down. See the table by income.
Home & RepairsHow Much Does HVAC Replacement Cost in 2026?HVAC replacement cost in 2026: most homeowners pay $8,000 to $15,000 for a full system. See prices by system type, home size, ductwork and SEER2.
CarsLease vs Buy a Car in 2026: Which Costs Less?Lease vs buy car costs in 2026: lease payments run about $148 a month less than the $765 average new car loan, but buying usually costs less over time.
CarsHow Much Do New Tires Cost in 2026?New tires cost about $151 each for an all-season tire in 2026, or about $604 for a set of four. See prices by tire type, installation fees and ways to save.
BudgetingCalculatorRent vs Buy Calculator: Is It Cheaper to Rent or Buy a Home in 2026?Rent vs buy calculator for 2026: a $417,500 median home costs about $2,626 a month to own at 7.40%, versus $1,694 median rent. Run your numbers.
Home & RepairsCalculatorHow Much Does a New Roof Cost in 2026?Roof replacement cost in 2026: about $10,300 for a 2,000 sq ft asphalt roof. See prices by material, the extras quotes leave out, and estimate yours.
Saving & InvestingSinking Funds: How to Save for Big Expenses Without DebtSinking funds turn big bills into small monthly savings. Car insurance alone averages $1,694 a year, or $141 a month. See common costs and how to set one up.
Home & RepairsTankless vs Tank Water Heater: Cost, Savings and Which to BuyTankless vs tank water heater: a tank costs $600 to $2,500 installed, tankless about $2,641 on average. See savings, lifespan and which one pays off.
CarsWhat Is the True Cost of Owning a Car in 2026?The true cost of owning a car is $12,863 a year for a new vehicle in 2026, per AAA, or about $1,072 a month. See the breakdown by expense and vehicle type.
Home & RepairsHow Much Does Water Heater Replacement Cost in 2026?Water heater replacement cost in 2026: about $1,400 installed on average. Compare tank, tankless and heat pump prices, sizes, permits and yearly savings.
Home & RepairsWindow Replacement Cost in 2026: Price per WindowWindow replacement cost in 2026 averages about $750 per window, or $7,348 for a typical project. See prices by window type, frame material and glass.