Step 4 of 5 — Create a budget
Plan your monthly budget with the 50/30/20 rule and see exactly where your money goes.
Living within means ✓
Target: 20%+
| Monthly Income | $5,000 |
| Needs (51.0%) | $2,550 |
| Wants (13.0%) | $650 |
| Savings & Debt (14.0%) | $700 |
| Total Spending | $3,900 |
| Surplus / Deficit | $1,100 |
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You're saving $0/mo from your $0/mo income — find your savings rate.
Open Savings Rate with your numbers50/30/20 Rule:
• Needs ≤ 50% of after-tax income
• Wants ≤ 30% of after-tax income
• Savings/Debt ≥ 20% of after-tax income
Surplus = Income − Needs − Wants − Savings. A positive surplus means you're living within your means.
Allocate 50% of after-tax income to needs (housing, food, utilities), 30% to wants (dining, entertainment), and 20% to savings and debt payoff.
At $50,000/year (~$3,500/month take-home): $1,750 for needs, $1,050 for wants, $700 for savings. Adjust based on your actual take-home pay.
Needs are essentials: rent/mortgage, groceries, utilities, transportation to work, minimum debt payments, insurance. Not subscriptions or dining out.
In high-cost cities, housing alone can exceed 50%. Try 60/20/20 or find ways to reduce needs — roommates, cheaper car, negotiate bills.
It's a solid starting point. For faster wealth building, try 50/20/30 (flip wants and savings) or even 50/10/40 if you're aggressive about FIRE.
Use apps like YNAB or Mint, or a simple spreadsheet. Categorize every expense and review monthly. Automate savings to a separate account.
Calculations are for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.