50/30/20 budget calculator

Enter your paycheck and see exactly where your money should go.

$
Needs (50%)
Rent, groceries, utilities
$2,500
Wants (30%)
Dining, entertainment, hobbies
$1,500
Savings (20%)
Emergency fund, investments, debt
$1,000

$1,000 in savings. But for what?

How much is for your emergency fund vs. your vacation? Swipe to see how each bucket breaks down into specific goals.

Savings (20%)$1,000
├── Investments (50%)$500
├── Down payment (25%)$250
└── Vacation (25%)$250
Needs (50%)$2,500
├── Rent/mortgage (40%)$1,000
├── Groceries (25%)$625
├── Utilities (15%)$375
├── Insurance (10%)$250
└── Transportation (10%)$250
Wants (30%)$1,500
├── Dining out (30%)$450
├── Entertainment (25%)$375
├── Subscriptions (20%)$300
└── Hobbies (25%)$375

Wealthsplitter has templates that set this up in one click. Every time you get paid, you see exactly where each dollar goes.

Next month you'll get paid again

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.

No credit card required

14-day free trial, then $39 USD/year
(works out to only $3.25/month)

What is the 50/30/20 rule?

The 50/30/20 rule was popularized by Senator Elizabeth Warren in All Your Worth. It divides your after-tax income into three categories:

  • 50% for needs: Essential expenses like rent, groceries, utilities, insurance, and minimum debt payments.
  • 30% for wants: Discretionary spending like dining out, entertainment, hobbies, and subscriptions.
  • 20% for savings: Emergency fund, investments, retirement contributions, and extra debt payments.

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 50/30/20 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 50/30/20 rule right for everyone?

It's a starting point, not a rigid formula. If you live in an expensive city, you might need 60% for needs. If you're paying down debt, you might put 30% toward savings. The key is having a system you actually stick to.

Is Wealthsplitter free to try?

Yes. 14-day free trial, no credit card required. After that, $39 USD/year ($3.25/month).

Related reading

No credit card required

14-day free trial, then $39 USD/year
(works out to only $3.25/month)