50 30 20 (2024)

The 50 30 20 rule means that you should save 20% of your salary after tax.

In a cost of living crisis, it can be tempting to add less money to your savings, so you have more money for needs and wants. But it’s a good idea to keep plugging away at your goals, as savings can come into their own when times are hard.

For example, you may know your car is due its MOT. This is an annual need that you’d need to pay for. If your car fails its MOT and needs work, you may also have an unexpected expense to pay for. This is when savings can come in really handy.

To help you prepare for the unforeseen, it’s a good idea to save up a few months of rent or mortgage payments.

You can use our savings calculator to help you plan how much you should save each month to reach your goals.

50 30 20 (2024)

FAQs

What is the 50 30 20 concept? ›

The 50/30/20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should be split between savings and debt repayment (20%) and everything else that you might want (30%).

What is the 50 30 20 rule for financial literacy? ›

One of the most common types of percentage-based budgets is the 50/30/20 rule. The idea is to divide your income into three categories, spending 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. Learn more about the 50/30/20 budget rule and if it's right for you.

Is the 50/30/20 rule good? ›

One question we hear a lot when it comes to budgeting is, “Why can't I save more?” The 50/30/20 rule is a great way to solve that age-old riddle and build more structure into your spending habits. It can make it easier to reach your financial goals, whether you're saving up for a rainy day or working to pay off debt.

How to work out 50/30/20 rule? ›

A 50 30 20 budget divides your monthly income after tax into three clear areas.
  1. 50% of your income is used for needs.
  2. 30% is spent on any wants.
  3. 20% goes towards your savings.

What are the flaws of the 50 30 20 rule? ›

Here are some potential disadvantages of the 50 30 20 rule: Some people might need more than 50% of their income for needs: some individuals or families may have higher essential expenses.

How to budget $5000 a month? ›

Consider an individual who takes home $5,000 a month. Applying the 50/30/20 rule would give them a monthly budget of: 50% for mandatory expenses = $2,500. 20% to savings and debt repayment = $1,000.

What is one negative thing about the 50 30 20 rule of budgeting? ›

Some Experts Say the 50/30/20 Is Not a Good Rule at All. “This budget is restrictive and does not take into consideration your values, lifestyle and money goals. For example, 50% for needs is not enough for those in high-cost-of-living areas.

What is the 80 20 rule in wealth management? ›

This life wisdom, also known as an aphorism, claims that 80 percent of the results are produced by only 20 percent of the inputs. It is therefore an important objective in business to identify and prioritize those inputs that are most likely to be productive. Focusing on these 20% will maximize the benefits.

What is the 40 40 20 budget rule? ›

The 40/40/20 rule comes in during the saving phase of his wealth creation formula. Cardone says that from your gross income, 40% should be set aside for taxes, 40% should be saved, and you should live off of the remaining 20%.

Can you live off $1000 a month after bills? ›

But it is possible to live well even on a small amount of money. Surviving on $1,000 a month requires careful budgeting, prioritizing essential expenses, and finding ways to save money. Cutting down on housing costs by sharing living spaces or finding affordable options is crucial.

Is $4000 a good savings? ›

Ready to talk to an expert? Are you approaching 30? How much money do you have saved? According to CNN Money, someone between the ages of 25 and 30, who makes around $40,000 a year, should have at least $4,000 saved.

Is the 30 rule outdated? ›

The 30% Rule Is Outdated

To start, averages, by definition, do not take into account the huge variations in what individuals do. Second, the financial obligations of today are vastly different than they were when the 30% rule was created.

Is saving $1000 a month good? ›

Saving $1,000 per month can be a good sign, as it means you're setting aside money for emergencies and long-term goals. However, if you're ignoring high-interest debt to meet your savings goals, you might want to switch gears and focus on paying off debt first.

How much should I budget for a 60k salary? ›

On a $60,000 salary, which roughly translates to $50,000 after taxes (depending on your location and tax rates), 60% would be about $30,000 per year, or $2,500 per month. Savings (20%): This portion should be allocated towards your savings, investments, emergency funds, or debt repayment.

Does 50/30/20 include 401k? ›

Important reminder: The 50/30/20 budget rule only considers your take-home pay for the month, so anything automatically deducted from your paycheck — like your work health insurance premium or 401k retirement contribution — doesn't count in the equation.

What is the primary goal of the 50 30 20 rule? ›

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals. Let's take a closer look at each category.

What are the three categories to which the numbers in the 50 30 20 budgeting plan refer? ›

Using them, you allocate your monthly after-tax income to the three categories: 50% to “needs,” 30% to “wants,” and 20% to saving for your financial goals. Your percentages may need to be adjusted based on your personal circ*mstances and goals.

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