Where does my money actually go?

The 50/30/20 budget: half to needs, 30% to wants, 20% to savings and debt. See your numbers against the rule and which buckets are over budget.

Monthly after-tax income ($)

Needs (rent, food, bills, transport, $)

Wants (dining, fun, shopping, $)

Savings & debt payoff ($)

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Needs — budget / actual

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Wants — budget / actual

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Savings — budget / actual

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Unallocated ($)

What is the 50/30/20 rule?

Elizabeth Warren's famous split: 50% of after-tax income to needs (housing, food, bills, transport), 30% to wants (dining, entertainment, hobbies), 20% to savings and debt payoff. It's a calibration tool, not a constitution.

What counts as a 'need'?

The non-negotiable stuff: rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, insurance, minimum debt payments, transport to work. Gym membership, streaming and restaurants are wants — even if they feel essential.

My needs are over 50%. What now?

You're in housing-burden territory, like most people in expensive cities. This tool is honest about that: the goal isn't shame, it's seeing the gap so you can attack the biggest line item instead of the easiest.

Is this advice?

Financial education, not personalized advice. If your needs genuinely exceed 50% (e.g., high-cost city, medical), the framework still helps — it just means wants shrink first, then needs are renegotiated.