Free tool
Budget calculator
Enter your monthly take-home pay to see a 50/30/20 starting split. Add what you really spend on needs, wants and savings to see how they compare. Nothing is stored.
50/30/20 starting split
- Needs 50%
- $1,600
- Wants 30%
- $960
- Savings 20%
- $640
What you spend now
Not yet assigned: $200 a month
50/30/20 is a starting point, not a rule. If needs take more than half, that's common in high-cost areas; adjust the split to fit.
What to do with the result
- Needs over 50%? Look at the big three first: housing, transportation and childcare. One change there can matter more than many small ones.
- Wants over 30%? Try a subscription check and a 24-hour rule for impulse buys.
- Savings under 20%? Start with any amount and automate it on payday.