We all know that setting a budget is an important part of living a financially secure life. But let's face it—creating a budget and sticking to it are two very different things. The good news is that you don't need to be a financial expert to make a budget that's easy to follow. One method to try is the 50/20/30 rule.
The 50/20/30 rule is a simple, flexible way to organize and manage your money, especially if you're just learning how to budget. According to the 50/30/20 rule, you should divide your after-tax income into three broad categories: essential expenses, financial goals, and unnecessary expenses. Here's how it works:
50%: The Essentials
First, allocate 50% of your income to necessary expenses. This category includes all the expenses that you absolutely must pay each month, including your rent (or mortgage), utilities, transportation, insurance, minimum payments on credit cards and loans and groceries. You might also have other essential bills to cover, such as childcare or pet expenses. Be sure to factor these monthly payments into the 50% category, too.
20%: Your Financial Goals
Next, 20% of your income should be devoted to your personal financial goals. This might include adding money to an emergency savings account or making contributions to your retirement fund. You can also use this portion of your income to pay down existing debt such as student loans or credit card debt. Setting aside just 20% of your paycheck each month can add up quickly and help you reach your financial dreams faster.
30%: Your Wants
Finally, designate 30% of your income to spend on your “wants." This refers to everything you want to buy, but don't necessarily need. This category includes the money you spend on things like dining out, shopping, movie tickets or travel. While 30% may seem like a large portion of your budget, it's often difficult to keep these extra expenses under control. Setting a firm limit for this category will help you spend wisely while still having a little fun. Plus, if you have any cash leftover at the end of the month, you can always put it toward the financial goal category.
Bottom Line
The 50/20/30 rule is meant to serve as a general guideline for making a budget. Depending on your lifestyle, you can adjust the percentages to fit your unique needs. Ultimately, by following a simple system like the 50/20/30 rule, you can keep your budget flexible while staying on track to reach your financial goals.
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