If you are new to budgeting, managing your money may seem complicated and overwhelming. You not only have to be organized; you must make challenging decisions about how to spend your money. But there is good news for you. You don’t need fancy financial apps on your phone or extensive spreadsheets with dozens of categories of spending to see how your money is being spent. You simply need to follow the 50-20-30 rule!
The 50-20-30 rule assists you in building a budget by using three spending categories:
- 50% of your income should go to living expenses and essentials including rent, utilities, groceries and transportation.
- 20% should go to savings, investments and debt reduction payments. Debt Relief Options
- 30% of your income should be used for flexible spending. This includes everything you buy that you want, but don’t necessarily need such as travel, going out to movies etc.
Remember that the percentages for essentials and flexible spending are the maximum amounts you should spend. If you use less income in these categories, you will have more to put into your other financial goals. 40 Ways to Save Money on Monthly Expenses
Here is how to start the 50-20-30 budget. First, determine exactly how much money you bring home each month. This will be the amount you will base your 50-20-30 split on. Then, track your spending. Every penny of it, from your rent payment down to the coffee you stop for on the way to work in the morning. As you are analyzing your spending, split it into the 50-20-30 categories. Once you see what you are spending and where, you can make the needed adjustments to ensure you are falling into the appropriate parameters. If you find you are spending too much on things that you want, but don’t need, that is when it is time to cut back.
The 50-20-30 rule works because it provides a simple way to track your spending so that you can pay your bills, add to your savings and have money left over for fun stuff. It keeps you on the straight and narrow so that you can begin to meet your financial goals. If you stay the course, you will eventually achieve financial stability. And before you know it, you will have the money you need for a down payment on a home!
If you are ready to find your own dream home, Search North Iowa Homes for Sale today! Contact Jane Fischer & Associates to help you through every step of the home buying process!
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