Try the 50/30/20 starting point
Roughly 50% of take-home pay to needs (rent, groceries, utilities), 30% to wants, 20% to savings and extra debt payments.
It's a starting point — high-rent cities often need 60/20/20. Adjust to your real numbers.
Financial Education
Short, plain-language guides. Educational only — not financial advice.
A budget is a plan for your money, not a punishment. Start simple and adjust monthly.
Pay yourself first
Move savings out on payday, before you spend. Automating the transfer removes the daily decision.
Even $25 a paycheck builds the habit.
Track for one month before cutting
Log everything for 30 days. Most people find two or three categories that surprise them.
Cut where it hurts least first — unused subscriptions are the easiest win.
Plan for irregular costs
Car repairs, gifts and annual fees aren't surprises — they're just irregular. Divide the yearly total by 12 and set it aside monthly.
Build a starter emergency fund
Aim for $1,000 first, then work toward 3–6 months of essential expenses in an easy-to-reach savings account.
Ready to try it with your numbers? Open the calculators or set a goal.