Note: These percentages add up to 90%, not 100%. This calculator shows what each portion would be.
Enter your paycheck and see exactly where your money should go.
If your income is $2,000, the 20/30/40 rule means $400 for savings, $600 for wants, $800 for needs.
At this income level, focus on covering essentials first. It's okay to adjust the percentages until your income grows.
Next time you get paid
Will you remember this split? Will you actually move the money? Most people do the math once and never follow through.
Wealthsplitter shows you where every dollar goes, every time you get paid. Enter your income and you're done.
I built this for myself. I've been using it for over 2 years.
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What is the 20/30/40 rule?
The 20/30/40 budget is a percentage-based approach to managing your money.
It divides your after-tax income into three categories:
- 20% for savings: Emergency fund, investments.
- 30% for wants: Discretionary spending.
- 40% for needs: Essential expenses.
It's a starting point. Adjust the percentages to fit your situation. The important thing is having a system.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income changes month to month?
The 20/30/40 rule works especially well for freelancers, contractors, and anyone whose income varies. You just apply the percentages to whatever you earned. If you make $3,000 one month and $7,000 the next, the split adjusts automatically.
Is the 20/30/40 rule right for everyone?
It's a starting point, not a rigid formula. If you live in an expensive city, you might need different percentages. If you're paying down debt, you might allocate more toward savings. The key is having a system you actually stick to.
Should I use the 20/30/40 rule for gross or net income?
Use your after-tax (net) income: the amount that actually hits your bank account. If you budget based on gross income, you'll overestimate what you have to work with.
What if I can't hit these percentages?
That's normal, especially if you're in a high cost-of-living area or paying down debt. The percentages are a starting point, not a pass/fail test. Adjust them to fit your situation. Even a rough split is better than no system at all.
Is Wealthsplitter free to try?
Yes. 30-day free trial, no credit card required. After that, $39 USD/year ($3.25/month).
No credit card required
30-day free trial, then $39 USD/year
(works out to only $3.25/month)
Other budget calculators
Related reading
- Biweekly budget template — A paycheck-by-paycheck approach if you get paid every two weeks
- Benefits of percentage based buckets — Why percentages work better than fixed dollar amounts
- Hit your goals with irregular income — How freelancers and contractors can save consistently
No credit card required
30-day free trial, then $39 USD/year
(works out to only $3.25/month)