The 50/30/20 Rule: A Simple Budget Guide

M1 Team
M1 Team October 4, 2024

The 50/30/20 budgeting rule is a potentially helpful budgeting strategy that’s offering a new perspective on money management. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how this straightforward method can help you work towards your financial goals, with insights on how M1’s tools may support your journey.

Understanding the 50/30/20 Budgeting Rule

The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting strategy developed by Senator Elizabeth Warren and her daughter, Amelia Warren Tyagi, introduced in their book “All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.” This personal finance approach divides your after-tax income (the money you actually take home after taxes and other deductions) into three main categories:

  • 50% for Needs
  • 30% for Wants
  • 20% for Savings and Debt Repayment

Breaking Down the Categories: Where Does Your Money Go?

The 50% for Needs

This category includes essentials like:

  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Groceries
  • Utilities
  • Health insurance
  • Transportation costs
  • Minimum debt payments
  • Basic clothing

The 30% for Wants

Here’s where you allocate funds for:

  • Daily coffee or latte
  • Weekend movie nights
  • New gadgets
  • Vacations
  • Premium cable packages
  • Dining out

The 20% for Savings and Debt Repayment

This category covers:

  • Emergency fund (savings set aside for unexpected expenses)
  • Retirement savings
  • Investments
  • Saving for a down payment on a house
  • Extra debt payments beyond the minimum

The 50/30/20 Rule in Action: Meet Sarah

Let’s bring this money management concept to life with Sarah, who brings home $4,000 a month after taxes. Here’s how she’d slice her financial pie:

  • Needs: $2,000 (50%) – covering rent, utilities, and basic groceries
  • Wants: $1,200 (30%) – including her gym membership, streaming services, and dinners out
  • Savings/Debt Repayment: $800 (20%) – split between her emergency fund and student loan payments

While Sarah’s budget fits into the 50/30/20 split, you may need to adjust these percentages for your own budget. It’s important to note that the 50/30/20 rule is a guideline, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your income, living costs, and financial goals will influence how you allocate your funds.

Potential Benefits of the 50/30/20 Rule

  1. Simplicity: This rule gives you a framework for your money, potentially simplifying the budgeting process. Instead of tracking every purchase, you can focus on broader categories.
  2. Balance: It suggests a way to allocate funds for current enjoyment while still planning for the future. For example, you can allocate funds for a weekend getaway (wants) while still contributing to your retirement fund (savings).
  3. Flexibility: You can adjust these percentages to fit your unique financial situation, showcasing the rule’s adaptability. If you live in a high-cost area, you might adjust to 60/20/20 to accommodate higher housing costs.
  4. Awareness: It may help you become more conscious of your spending habits and identify areas where you might be overspending.

4 Steps to Implement the 50/30/20 Rule in Your Life

Here’s how you might get started:

  1. Calculate your after-tax income: Start with what actually hits your bank account.
  2. Categorize your expenses: Examine where your money’s going and sort it into needs, wants, and savings.
  3. Adjust as needed: If your spending doesn’t match the 50/30/20 split, consider making changes.
  4. Consider using technology: Various financial tools can help you allocate your funds according to your chosen strategy.

The 50/30/20 rule provides a flexible framework for budgeting, but remember to adapt it to your unique financial situation.

When the 50/30/20 Rule Might Not Fit

While the 50/30/20 rule may work for many, it might not fit everyone’s financial situation. Here are some scenarios where you might need to adjust:

  1. High cost of living areas: If housing alone exceeds 50% of your income, you might need to adjust to a 60/20/20 split.
  2. Periods of unemployment or reduced income: You may need to temporarily reduce the savings percentage to cover essential needs.
  3. High debt repayment: If you’re aggressively paying off debt, you might allocate more than 20% to the savings/debt repayment category.

In these cases, focus on covering your needs first, then allocate remaining funds between wants and savings/debt repayment based on your priorities.

Other Ways to Slice Your Financial Pie

If the 50/30/20 rule doesn’t quite work for you, there are other budgeting methods to explore:

  1. Zero-based budgeting: This method has you allocate every single dollar to a specific purpose.
  2. Envelope system: A hands-on approach where you use physical envelopes to divide and limit your spending in different categories.
  3. Pay Yourself First: This strategy involves saving a set percentage of your income before budgeting the rest for expenses.

Each budgeting method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The best method for you will depend on your individual financial situation and preferences.

Your Budgeting Toolkit: M1’s Features

The following section contains information about M1’s products and services.

To help you implement your chosen budgeting strategy, M1 offers a range of tools:

  • Automated Investing: Schedule recurring transfers to automatically invest a portion of your income. Automated investing does not guarantee profits or protect against losses.
  • Smart Transfers: Move money between your M1 accounts based on custom rules you set.
  • Spend Account: Track your spending and earn cash back on purchases.
  • Borrow: Access a flexible portfolio line of credit. Borrowing against securities involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Market fluctuations can increase the risk of borrowing and may result in a collateral call.

Common Mistakes When Using the 50/30/20 Rule

  1. Misclassifying expenses: Be honest about what’s a need versus a want. That gym membership might feel essential, but it’s likely a want.
  2. Ignoring irregular expenses: Don’t forget to account for annual or semi-annual expenses like insurance premiums or property taxes.
  3. Not adjusting for life changes: As your income or expenses change, be sure to revisit and adjust your budget accordingly.
  4. Forgetting about debt: If you have high-interest debt, consider allocating more than 20% to the savings/debt repayment category until it’s paid off.
  5. Not tracking progress: Regularly review your spending to ensure you’re sticking to your budget and making progress towards your financial goals.

Your Top Questions, Answered

The following answers are general in nature and may not apply to your specific financial situation. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized advice.

How do I handle expenses that could be both needs and wants?

Use your best judgment and consider whether the expense is truly essential. For those tricky items, you might split them between categories. For example, your phone bill could be part need (basic plan) and part want (unlimited data). The categorization of expenses may vary based on individual circumstances.

What if I can’t hit that 20% savings target?

Start with what you can and gradually increase your savings rate over time. Saving even a small percentage, like 5%, can be beneficial. The key is to build the habit and then work on growing that percentage. Savings rates should be determined based on your individual financial situation and goals.

How often should I review my budget?

In the beginning, aim for a monthly check-in. Once you’ve got a good routine going, you can switch to quarterly reviews. But always reassess if there’s a significant change in your income or expenses.

How do I account for irregular income in the 50/30/20 budget?

For irregular income, consider using the average of your last 12 months of income as your baseline. During higher-income months, allocate extra to savings; during lower months, you may need to dip into those savings.

How can M1 help me implement my budgeting strategy?

M1’s platform offers tools for tracking spending, setting budget goals, and automating savings. You can use M1’s Spend account to monitor your expenses, set up automated transfers to your investment account for the savings portion, and use Smart Transfers to move money between accounts based on your allocations.

Can I combine the 50/30/20 rule with other budgeting methods?

Yes, many people find success in combining elements of different budgeting strategies. For example, you might use the 50/30/20 rule as your overall framework, but use the envelope system for your ‘wants’ category to better control discretionary spending.

Remember, budgeting isn’t about restricting yourself – it’s about making informed financial decisions. Whether you choose the 50/30/20 rule or another method, taking control of your finances is an important step. Your future self may thank you!

While the 50/30/20 rule can be a helpful guideline, it’s important to consult with a qualified financial advisor to develop a personalized financial plan that takes into account your unique circumstances and goals.

This article does not provide tax advice. Please consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific tax situation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. M1 is a SEC registered broker-dealer, Member FINRA / SIPC. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This article contains promotional content about M1’s services. Always compare multiple options before choosing a financial service provider.

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