Budget Calculator (50/30/20)

It's a budgeting framework that splits after-tax income into 50% needs (rent, groceries, utilities, minimum debt payments), 30% wants (dining out, subscriptions, hobbies), and 20% savings and extra debt payoff. It's meant as a simple starting point, not a strict law.

Take-home pay — what actually lands in your account after taxes and deductions. Budgeting from gross income overstates what you have to spend. If your paycheck already deducts retirement savings, you can either add that back and count it in the 20%, or budget the net and treat that saving as separate.

Adjust the percentages — the tool lets you. In high-cost areas, needs often exceed 50%, so you might run 60/20/20; if you're paying down debt aggressively or saving for a goal, you might flip toward savings. The exact ratio matters less than consistently spending less than you earn.