The 50/30/20 rule is the simplest budget that actually works: half your pay covers needs, 30% covers wants, 20% goes to your future self. Type your monthly take-home pay to see your numbers instantly — then read the full 50/30/20 budget rule explained.
$0NEEDS · 50%
Rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities, transport, insurance, minimum debt payments.
$0WANTS · 30%
Dining out, streaming, hobbies, travel, the fun stuff — guilt-free, because it’s budgeted.
$0SAVINGS · 20%
Emergency fund, investing, extra debt payments. Pay this bucket first, not last.
Based on after-tax income. If your needs exceed 50% (common in expensive cities), trim wants first — protect the 20% savings bucket if you possibly can.
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