The 50/30/20 budget, in seconds
Enter your monthly take-home pay and see exactly how much to put toward needs, wants, and savings — the simplest budget that actually works.
Your income
Customize (optional)
Adjust the split if 50/30/20 isn't your style. Must total 100%.
Your monthly plan
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Our printable budget planner has a ready-made monthly overview.
What is the 50/30/20 rule?
The 50/30/20 rule is a simple budgeting framework: spend about 50% of your take-home pay on needs, 30% on wants, and put 20% toward savings and debt. It's popular because it's easy to remember and flexible — you don't have to track every latte, just keep each bucket roughly in line.
Should I use gross or take-home pay?
Use take-home (after-tax) pay — the money that actually lands in your account.
What if my needs are more than 50%?
Very common in high-cost areas. Trim the wants bucket first, and treat the 20% savings target as the goal to protect. Even 10% is a strong start.