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The budget plan that allows you to have fun while improving your personal finance.
There are a lot of budgeting methods out there and most of them are rigid. Sometimes, it’s too rigid that it sets you up for failure. But not the 30-30-30-10 budget.
This strategy allows you to have a little fun while paying off debt, building your emergency fund, or just boosting your monthly savings rate.
This budgeting method will help you achieve your money goals and improve your financial life.
What is The 30-30-30-10 Budget?
The 30-30-30-10 budget rule of financial planning is a percentage-based budget plan where 30% of your monthly income will cover housing and another 30% cover necessities.
And finally, the last 30% covers financial goals, and the remaining 10% will cover fun activities.
30% For Housing
This percentage will cover expenses that are related to shelter like mortgage, rent, appliances, transportation, and any equated monthly installment.
30% For Necessities
This part covers all essential expenses like groceries, utilities, clothing, phone, Internet, school needs, and other necessities.
30% Financial Buckets
This bucket will take care of all your savings, investments, debt repayments, saving for retirement, and any financial goals.
10% For Fun
The fun money bucket will cover fun and leisure activities like vacations and other entertaining activities.
You can also use it for dining out expenses or streaming or cable subscriptions.
How to Budget Using The 30-30-30-10 Budget Rule
This budgeting method works for anyone and is so easy to do.
1| Set Your Financial Goal
Before you start customizing your budget, start setting your goals first. Your financial goal will set you up for success.
2| Determine Your Net Income
Do not use your gross income as your budget income. Focus on your net income or your take-home pay before preparing your budget plan. In other words, this is your income after taxes.
To do this, simply start with your take-home pay on your paycheck and add back any deductions that are not taxed like health insurance and retirement.
3| Divide Your Funds
Divide your net income into 30-30-30-10 percentages. You can open separate accounts or you can just keep track of it on paper.
Although, I would recommend having separate accounts so it is easier to keep track. I use Capital One 360 Savings for ours.
4| Track Every Penny
Next, list down your spending categories. Now that you know how much money you can spend on each category, start tracking your expenses. Depending on your financial goals, you can adjust accordingly.
So, here’s an example.
Financial Goal: Pay Off $15,000 Credit Card Debt In 12 Months
Net income: $5,000
30% Housing: $1,500
30% Necessities: $1,500
30% Financial Bucket: $1,500
10% Fun: $500
Since the goal is to pay off debt, you would use the $1,500 for debt repayment.
However, if you do not have an emergency plan in place yet, you would prioritize building a starter emergency fund first.
Check out this article on how to pay off debt and save money at the same time if you find yourself struggling.
What is the 50-30-20 budget rule?
Another budget by percentages variation that is perfect for you if you hate detailed budgeting is Elizabeth Warden’s 50-30-20 budget.
In this budget, you would take your monthly take-home pay and allocate it to your monthly expenses.
50% would go to Needs, 30% would be spent on Wants, and the remaining 20% would go to Savings or Debt Repayment.
Needs
Needs are the essential expenses that you must keep in your budget no matter what.
These include housing, utilities, transportation, health care expenses, and the bare minimum of essential clothing and supplies for living.
Wants
Wants are the expenses that are nice to have but that you don’t need to live your life.
It will include dining out, alcohol, cable TV, internet, shopping trips, vacations, memberships, subscriptions, gifts, entertainment, and other luxuries.
You would want to see a drop in expenses in this category to help you reach your savings goals.
Savings/Debt Repayments
The savings or debt repayment category is money you set aside for your future like savings goals or to pay off debt.
You can use this fund to build a starter emergency fund if you don’t have one yet, save for a down payment on a home, invest for retirement or pay off your student loan debt or credit card.
FAQ
What is the 70-20-10 Rule money?
With this budget rule, you will divide your monthly take-home income into 70%, 20%, and 10%. The 70% is for monthly living expenses, including your mortgage/rent, groceries, gas for the car, child care, etc.; 20% goes into savings, including retirement planning, emergency fund, vacation, etc. The remaining 10% will go towards debt repayment like car loans, student loans, medical expenses, credit cards, etc.
How much should I save each month?
According to Senator Elizabeth Warren’s 50/30/20 rule, you should save 20% of your monthly take-home income. However, it is not always possible. Therefore, don’t get frustrated; saving something is better than nothing.
How much should you spend on living expenses?
Following the popular 50-30-20 budget rule, you should spend 50% of your income on your living expenses, like your rent, insurance, car payment, etc.
Final Thoughts On The 30-30-30-10 Budget
Budgeting by percentages is a great way to gain control of your current spending portfolio.
Although there are a lot of budgeting techniques out there, the 30-30-30-10 budget rule is a simple but effective way to get control of your finances.trol of your finances.
It covers all the financial buckets that you need to achieve financial independence without sacrificing having fun.
On the other hand, if the 30-30-30-10 budget is too detailed for you, you can use the 50-30-20 budget, where you only have to budget for three categories.
Whichever you choose, both will be effective as long as you commit to it. Check out the posts below for more budgeting tips.
Is the 30-30-30-10 budget for you?
Budgeting Related Articles:
- 10 Budgeting Challenges And How To Deal With Them
- 10 Budgeting Skills Every Millennial Should Have
- Best Budgeting Apps For Married Couples
- 18 Budgeting Tips For Beginners
- Advantages Of Budgeting
Hi Charity,
Thanks for this article! Good point about having an emergency fund. It’s crucial to have a few months’ worth of living expenses saved up before starting on the 30 30 30 10 budget method.
In my opinion, you should have 3-6 months of expenses saved up for an emergency – closer to 6 months if you are a single-income household or have higher expenses. However, it’s important to avoid keeping too much in cash to miss out on compound interest.
Budgeting is challenging, and it’s important to reward yourself after sticking with the 30 30 30 10 budget! What is your favorite way to treat yourself when reaching a financial goal?
– Jani, Frugal Fun Finance