The 50/30/20 Budget Rule Explained With Examples

The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting method that divides your after-tax income into three categories:

  • 50%: Needs, like housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare
  • 30%: Wants, like entertainment, dining out, and hobbies
  • 20%: Savings and investments, or paying off debt

The 50/30/20 rule is a simple, percentage-based budget that can help you prioritize savings and stick to a monthly budget. It can also help you establish a balance between your needs, wants, and future financial stability

Here are some tips for using the 50/30/20 rule:

  • If you’re spending more than 50% on needs, you can consider cutting down on wants or downsizing your lifestyle. 
  • You can use the remaining amount in your wants category to improve your savings. 
  • You can compare prices at different websites to find the best deal. 
  • You can look for second-hand items to meet your needs.