Your Income & Spending
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Enter your current spending in each category (leave 0 if unsure):
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MONTHLY NET INCOME
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Calculating...
Savings Target
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50% Needs
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Ideal allocation
30% Wants
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Ideal allocation
20% Savings
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Ideal allocation
Current vs Ideal Comparison
| Category | Ideal Amount | Ideal % | Your Amount | Your % | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Needs | — | 50% | — | — | — |
| 🎉 Wants | — | 30% | — | — | — |
| 💰 Savings | — | 20% | — | — | — |
| Total | — | 100% | — | — | — |
Top 3 Adjustments Needed
Method, source & privacy
The 50/30/20 split is a rule of thumb, not a requirement or country-specific standard. The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau describes 50% of take-home pay for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings goals; its teaching guide also says not everyone can follow the rule and people should choose a rule that fits their circumstances.
Read the CFPB budget guide · Source reviewed 18 July 2026.
Privacy: the calculator runs entirely in this browser. It does not save or send the income or spending values. Copy, TXT download, and Print / save PDF happen only when you choose them.
Frequently Asked Questions
The rule of thumb allocates 50% of take-home income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings goals or extra debt payments. It is a starting point, not a requirement.
Not necessarily. Housing, food, transport, dependants, debt and irregular income can make any fixed split unrealistic. Use the comparison to understand trade-offs, then set a personal split you can actually maintain.
Needs: rent/mortgage, food (basic groceries), transport to work, utilities (electricity, water, gas), basic phone/data, health insurance, minimum debt payments. Wants: dining out, streaming services, gym memberships, clothing beyond basics, entertainment, holidays. The line can blur — an internet subscription may be a need if you work from home.
This bucket can include an emergency fund, retirement savings, other savings or investments, and debt payments above the required minimum. Do not count the same payment in both needs and this bucket.