Budget Calculator

This calculator uses the 50/30/20 rule — 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and debt payoff — as a benchmark. Enter your real numbers below to see how your current budget compares.

Monthly take-home incomeNeeds (rent, utilities, groceries, insurance)50/30/20 target: $2,000Wants (dining out, entertainment, subscriptions)50/30/20 target: $1,200Savings & debt payoff50/30/20 target: $800

Your breakdown

Total income: $4,000
Total allocated: $3,100
Unallocated: $900

The 50/30/20 rule is a starting guideline, not a rule you must hit exactly — use it to spot categories that are meaningfully out of line with your goals.

How to use this calculator

Start with your monthly take-home pay (after taxes). Then total up what you actually spend in each category over a typical month — bank and credit card statements are the most reliable source. The goal isn't to hit 50/30/20 exactly; it's to see which category is furthest from target and start there.

What counts as a "need"?

Housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, minimum debt payments, and transportation to work. Subscriptions, dining out, and entertainment fall under "wants" — even ones that feel essential.