How to Use The 50/30/20 Budget to Save Money – Online Mom Jobs (2024)

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As a mom, you probably know that managing finances can be overwhelming. Keeping track of expenses, monthly bills, and savings can be exhausting, especially when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities.

It’s really easy to get bogged down in the everyday stresses of life and lose track of budgeting. Chances are, you probably already know that you need to budget and have tried it before, only to be overwhelmed with calculations and empty bank accounts.

That’s why the 50/30/20 budget might just be a lifesaver for you. This budgeting technique can simplify your finances and make it easy for you to manage your money. It’s designed especially with the needs of moms like you in mind, one that fits into your fast-paced life while still ensuring you’re setting money aside for everything from rent payments to activities for yourself and your family.

Read on to learn how this budget can work for you to help you regain control of your financial future.

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How to Save Money Using The 50/30/20 Budget

What is The 50/30/20 Budget?

The 50/30/20 budgeting technique is an easy yet effective budget that divides your income into three categories: essentials, discretionary spending, and savings. The “50” stands for the percentage of your take-home pay that should go towards essential expenses like housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.

The “30” represents the percentage of your income that you can spend on discretionary items like dining out, entertainment, and hobbies.

And finally, the “20” represents the percentage of your income that you should save for your financial goals like emergency funds, retirement, and debt payments.

How to Start The 50/30/20 Budget

The 50/30/20 budget is easy to implement. Here’s a brief overview of how to start implementing the 50/30/20 budget:

  • Calculate your after-tax income:Determine how much you earn after taxes and monthly deductions. This will be the basis for dividing your income into the three categories.
  • Identify your needs (50%):Allocate 50% of your after-tax income towards essential expenses and needs. These can include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation costs, insurance, minimum debt payments, and other necessary bills.
  • Allocate for wants (30%):Allocate 30% of your after-tax income for discretionary spending and non-essential expenses. This category covers things like dining out, entertainment, hobbies, travel, clothing, and other items or experiences that bring you joy but aren’t necessities.
  • Save and invest (20%):Reserve 20% of your after-tax income for savings, investments, and debt repayment beyond the minimum. You should use it to build your emergency fund, contribute to retirement accounts like a 401(k) or IRA, invest in stocks or other assets, pay off high-interest debt, or save for your future goals, like a down payment on a house.
  • Adjust and track your spending:Review your spending habits regularly to ensure you stick to the allocated percentages. You can make adjustments as needed based on changes in your income or financial goals. Use budgeting tools, spreadsheets, or apps to track your expenses and monitor progress toward your savings goals.

Benefits of Using the 50/30/20 Budget

There are many benefits to using the 50/30/20 budget:

  • It helps you to establish healthy financial habits by encouraging you to prioritize your spending and savings goals. By allocating a portion of your income towards savings, you’ll have a better safety net in case of emergencies.
  • It’s an easy budgeting technique that can be customized to suit your needs. You can adjust the percentages based on your income, lifestyle, and financial goals.
  • It can help you to live within your means and avoid overspending on unnecessary items.
  • The 50/30/20 budget can provide peace of mind by giving you a clear financial plan.

How to Make the Most Out of The 50/30/20 Budget

In order to make the most out of the 50/30/20 budget, it’s important to track your expenses regularly. By doing so, you’ll be able to identify areas where you need to cut back on spending and adjust your budget accordingly.

For example, you may realize that you’re spending more than you should on eating out and entertainment. By reducing this category, you’ll be able to increase your savings and put more money toward your financial goals.

Additionally, it’s important to review your budget periodically and make adjustments as necessary. Life can be unpredictable, and your financial situation is likely to change over time. Regularly checking your budget will let you adapt to changes and stay on track.

Final Thoughts

The 50/30/20 budget is a really easy budgeting technique that can help busy moms to manage their finances effectively.

By following this budgeting plan, you can prioritize your spending and savings goals, live within your means, and enjoy financial peace of mind.

Remember to track your expenses regularly, review your budget periodically, and make adjustments as necessary. By doing so, you’ll be able to make the most out of the 50/30/20 budget and achieve your financial goals.

How to Use The 50/30/20 Budget to Save Money – Online Mom Jobs (2024)

FAQs

How can you use the 50 30 20 rule to help you manage your finances? ›

Do not subtract other amounts that may be withheld or automatically deducted, like health insurance or retirement contributions. Those will become part of your budget. The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings.

What is a 50/30/20 budget example? ›

Applying the 50/30/20 rule would give them a monthly budget of: 50% for mandatory expenses = $2,500. 20% to savings and debt repayment = $1,000. 30% for wants and discretionary spending = $1,500.

How do you distribute your money when using the 50 20 30 rule group of answer choices? ›

Our 50/30/20 calculator divides your take-home income into suggested spending in three categories: 50% of net pay for needs, 30% for wants and 20% for savings and debt repayment. Find out how this budgeting approach applies to your money.

How to work out 50/30/20 rule? ›

A 50 30 20 budget divides your monthly income after tax into three clear areas.
  1. 50% of your income is used for needs.
  2. 30% is spent on any wants.
  3. 20% goes towards your savings.

What is one negative thing about the 50/30/20 rule of budgeting? ›

It may not work for everyone. Depending on your income and expenses, the 50/30/20 rule may not be realistic for your individual financial situation. You may need to allocate a higher percentage to necessities or a lower percentage to wants in order to make ends meet. It doesn't account for irregular expenses.

What is the 50 30 20 rule for low income? ›

The 50/30/20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should be split between savings and debt repayment (20%) and everything else that you might want (30%).

How effective is the 50/30/20 budget rule? ›

The 50/30/20 rule can be a good budgeting method for some, but it may not work for your unique monthly expenses. Depending on your income and where you live, earmarking 50% of your income for your needs may not be enough.

What is the 50 30 20 budget for kids? ›

The first 50% of your after-tax earnings should go to Essentials. In financial literacy terms, these would be considered your needs: rent, groceries, utilities, gas, etc… The next 30% of your income is reserved for Fun. This is where you would find money to eat out at a restaurant, attend concerts or take vacations.

Is $4000 a good savings? ›

Are you approaching 30? How much money do you have saved? According to CNN Money, someone between the ages of 25 and 30, who makes around $40,000 a year, should have at least $4,000 saved.

Is the 50/30/20 rule gross or net? ›

50% of your net income should go towards living expenses and essentials (Needs), 20% of your net income should go towards debt reduction and savings (Debt Reduction and Savings), and 30% of your net income should go towards discretionary spending (Wants).

Where does debt go in the 50/30/20 rule? ›

The basic idea of the 50/30/20 rule is simple. You allocate 50% of your post-tax income to “needs” and another 30% to “wants.” That leaves you with at least 20% of your net income that you're able to save or use to pay down existing debt.

What are the flaws of the 50 30 20 rule? ›

Puts off repayments - This budgeting system does not leave a lot of room for paying off any debts you have accrued. Unless you count your debts into your 50%, you only have 20% of your budget to spend on savings and debt repayment. This means if your debts outweigh this you won't be able to make any savings.

How to do 50 30 20 rule biweekly? ›

What Is the 50/30/20 Rule?
  1. 50% for your needs. Half of your income should go toward essentials or necessities, such as housing (including mortgage or rent), groceries, transportation, health insurance, and the minimum payment on your debts, such as student loans.
  2. 30% for your wants. ...
  3. 20% for your savings.
Feb 20, 2024

Is saving $1500 a month good? ›

Saving $1,500 per month may be a good amount if it's feasible. In general, save as much as you can to reach your goals, whether that's $50 or $1,500. You could speak with a certified financial planner to help develop a plan for your finances if you aren't sure how much money to save regularly.

How can the 20 10 rule help you manage your use of credit? ›

The 20/10 rule of thumb is a budgeting technique that can be an effective way to keep your debt under control. It says your total debt shouldn't equal more than 20% of your annual income, and that your monthly debt payments shouldn't be more than 10% of your monthly income.

What is the 50 30 20 rule money saving expert? ›

By spending 50% of your income on your needs and 30% on your wants, you'll hopefully be left with 20% to put into your savings. So for example, if you take home £1,800 each month, you should aim to save £360. To help you stay on track, it's always good to have a savings goal — something to aim for.

How would your income be divided using 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. Learn more about the 50/30/20 budget rule and if it's right for you.

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