Vent: I thought the 50/30/20 budget rule was just hype.

My friend in Denver kept telling me to try it for three months. I finally tracked every dollar in a simple spreadsheet. Put 50% to needs, 30% to wants, 20% to debt. My credit card balance dropped by $300 without feeling broke. Anyone else have a simple rule that actually worked for them?

3 comments

3 Comments

murphy.tessa2mo ago

Honestly that 50/30/20 thing never clicked for me. My rent alone eats way more than 50% so the math just never worked out. I had better luck just picking one goal, like your debt payment, and throwing any extra cash at that first before anything else. Strict percentage rules make me feel boxed in when life isn't that neat.

calebc402mo ago

Wait is anyone actually following those rules to the letter? I mean it's just a basic guide, not a law.

kim.nina2mo ago

Forget the percentages and just track where your money actually goes for a month. Tbh seeing the real numbers on paper makes it way clearer than any rule. Then you can build your own plan from there.