The 50/30/20 Rule


The 50/30/20 rule (also referred to as the 50/20/30 rule) is a simple approach to budgeting that can keep your spending in alignment with your savings goals. Budgets are more than just paying your bills on time – the best budget can help you determine how much you should be spending and on what. This budgeting rule simply divides your take-home income into three categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and/or debt repayment.

So here's how it works:

Step 1: Calculate Your After-Tax Income

50-30-20 Paycheck AllocationYour after-tax income is what remains of your paycheck after taxes (state, local, income, Medicare, and Social Security) are deducted. If you're an employee with a steady paycheck, this can be easily done by taking a look at your paystub. If health care, retirement contributions, or other deductions are taken out of your paycheck, make sure to add them back in.

If you are self-employed, your after-tax income equals your gross income minus your business expenses, as well as the amount you set aside for taxes.

 

Step 2: Limit 50% of Your After-Tax Income to Your "Needs"

Your "needs" are the essentials, such as groceries, housing (mortgage or rent), utilities, health insurance, and transportation (car payments, car insurance, gas, passes, etc.).

 

Step 3: Limit Your "Wants" to 30%

Distinguishing between a need and a want isn't always easy and can vary based on who you ask. Generally, wants are the extras that aren't essential to living and working – these might include monthly subscriptions, travel, dining out, and entertainment.

 

Step 4: Spend 20% on Savings and Debt

Devote this the remaining 20% of your after-tax income to paying down existing debt and creating a comfortable financial cushion to avoid taking on any future debt. You can start your own emergency fund, save for retirement through a 401(k), or focus on repaying your high-interest debt.

To learn more information about how Pioneer can be a financial partner in helping you achieve your goals, call or visit one of our branch locations.
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