USA: Retirement & savings
50/30/20 Budget Calculator
The 50/30/20 rule is the easiest way to start a budget. Put half of your take-home pay toward needs, 30% toward wants and 20% toward savings and extra debt payments. Change the percentages to suit high-cost cities or aggressive saving goals.
How to use the 50/30/20 Budget Calculator
- Enter your monthly take-home pay.
- Keep 50/30/20 or change the shares.
- See the dollar amount for each bucket.
- Set up automatic transfers for the savings share.
Formula
Example
With $5,200 a month take-home: $2,600 needs, $1,560 wants and $1,040 savings - $12,480 a year.
Adjust for your situation
- High-rent city: 60/20/20
- Paying off debt fast: 50/20/30
- Big savings goal: 50/15/35
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Frequently asked questions
Is it before or after tax?
After tax - the money that reaches your account.
Where does debt go?
Minimum payments are needs; extra payments go in savings.
What if needs are more than 50%?
Look at housing, transport and insurance first - they are the biggest levers.
Is retirement saving in the 20%?
Yes, if it comes out of your take-home pay. Payroll 401(k) contributions are already taken out.
Results are estimates for planning, not financial advice. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. Your inputs stay in your browser and are not sent to Soft2Cloud.
Last updated: November 2026