Get Monthly Income And Expense Template Simple

By Melissa Green | Citizens Bank Staff One of the most common 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.

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.

The biggest chunk, 70%, goes towards living expenses while 20% goes towards repaying any debt, or to savings if all your debt is covered. The remaining 10% is your 'fun bucket', money set aside for the things you want after your essentials, debt and savings goals are taken care of.

The rule targets 50% of your after-tax income toward necessities, 30% toward things you don't need—but make life a little nicer—and the final 20% toward paying down debt and/or adding to your savings....A 50-30-20 rule example. TOTAL = $2,000, or 50%Mortgage$1,500Groceries$6004 more rows • Mar 23, 2023

How to create a budget spreadsheet Choose a spreadsheet program or template. Create categories for income and expense items. Set your budget period (weekly, monthly, etc.). Enter your numbers and use simple formulas to streamline calculations. Consider visual aids and other features.

The 50-20-30 rule is intended to help individuals manage their after-tax income, primarily to have funds on hand for emergencies and savings for retirement. Every household should prioritize creating an emergency fund in case of job losses, unexpected medical expenses, or any other unforeseen monetary cost.

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.

Overall, the 50 30 20 rule is a simple guideline for budgeting, but it may not be the right fit for everyone's financial situation. For example, you may have a lot of expenses to pay each month, that take up more than 50% of your monthly income, leaving little to allocate towards "wants" and savings.

The following steps can help you create a budget. Step 1: Calculate your net income. The foundation of an effective budget is your net income. ... Step 2: Track your spending. ... Step 3: Set realistic goals. ... Step 4: Make a plan. ... Step 5: Adjust your spending to stay on budget. ... Step 6: Review your budget regularly.