The 50/30/20 Budget Notion template helps you organize your finances by dividing your income into three simple categories: 50% for essentials, 30% for personal spending, and 20% for savings or investments. This finance tracker allows you to easily monitor your cash flow and make smarter financial decisions. Ideal for anyone who wants to stay on top of their budget, whether you're saving for the future or managing everyday expenses. Perfect for users who prefer a clear and structured approach to managing their finances.
What is the 50/30/20 Budget?
The 50/30/20 budget is a simple financial planning system: 50% of your income goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment. It's ideal for those who prefer not to meticulously track their finances but want an easy way to manage their budget.
How to use the 50/30/20 system?
Start by determining how much money you can allocate to needs, wants, and savings. If your monthly after-tax income is $10,000, you'll have $5,000 for needs, $3,000 for wants, and $2,000 for savings and debt repayment.
Here are some general recommendations for categorizing expenses:
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Needs are essential expenses that must be included in your budget. These include housing, utilities, transportation, and at least the minimum payments on your debts.
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Wants are discretionary expenses that enhance your lifestyle but aren't necessary. This category includes dining out, drinks, cable TV, streaming services, shopping, memberships and subscriptions, birthday gifts, etc.
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Savings or debt repayment includes funds set aside for the future or to pay down debt faster than required. Use this money to start an emergency fund, save for a house down payment, invest for retirement, or pay off student loans or credit card debt more quickly.
If you aim to save more quickly, consider allocating some of your wants budget to extra savings.
What kind of debt repayment should be included in the 20% ratio?
Include only debt payments above the minimum required in the 20% category. The minimum payment on your debts belongs in your needs budget.
How do I know if the 50/30/20 budget is right for me?
To determine if the 50/30/20 budget is right for you, you should consider your personal financial situation and goals. This budgeting method divides your after-tax income into three categories:
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50% for Needs: These are essential expenses you can't live without, like rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance. If you find that your needs take up more or less than half of your income, you might need to adjust the allocation to fit your situation.
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30% for Wants: This category covers non-essential items that improve your lifestyle, like dining out, entertainment, and travel. If you’re spending too much on "wants" and have little left for saving, you may need to cut back in this area.
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20% for Savings and Debt Repayment: This portion goes toward saving, investing, or paying off debt. If you don’t have much debt or specific savings goals, you might allocate more to other areas.
If you have specific financial goals, such as buying a home, investing aggressively, or paying off debt faster, you might need to adjust the percentages. The 50/30/20 rule is a helpful starting point, but it’s essential to tailor it to your unique needs and priorities. If you're struggling to control spending or save enough, this method can be a good tool to help manage your finances effectively.