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Definition

50/30/20 Rule

A simple budget split: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings and debt.

The 50/30/20 rule divides your after-tax income into three buckets: 50 percent for needs (housing, utilities, groceries, transport), 30 percent for wants (dining out, hobbies, subscriptions), and 20 percent for savings and extra debt payments.

It is popular because it is easy to remember and gives structure without tracking every dollar. On a tight income the split often bends toward more needs and less savings, which is fine; treat it as a target to grow into.