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| Meta Title | How to Budget Money: A Step-By-Step Guide - NerdWallet |
| Meta Description | To budget money: 1. Figure out your after-tax income 2. Choose a budgeting system 3. Track your progress 4. Automate your savings 5. Practice budget management |
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A budget is a plan for how you use your money. No matter how much you earn or how often you get paid, a budget helps you stay on top of your bills, savings and other money goals. It can give you more control and less stress.
To budget money, follow the five steps below.
Step 1. Figure out your after-tax income
If you get a regular paycheck, the amount you bring home is your after-tax income. This is also called your
net income
or take-home pay.
If money is taken out of your paycheck for things like a 401(k) or insurance, add that back in when making your budget. That way, you'll see your full income.
If you have other types of money coming in — such as from side gigs — subtract anything that reduces that income, such as taxes and business expenses.
»
Stay informed:
Check out NerdWallet's
news hub
for all the latest.
Step 2. Choose a budgeting system
A budgeting system is a plan for how to use your money. Everyone has different habits, personality types and approaches to managing money, and there are systems that can fit your lifestyle.
Every budget should cover your needs, some wants and savings for emergencies and the future.
Examples of
budgeting systems
include the envelope system, the zero-based budget, and the
50/30/20 budget
, in which 50% of your take-home pay goes toward necessities, 30% toward wants and 20% toward savings and retirement.
Other breakdowns, like 60/20/20 and 60/30/10, may work well for some situations.
Step 3. Track your progress
Pay attention to where your money is going. If you notice areas where you’re overspending, try to cut those costs. If you’re able to make cuts and have money left over, put it toward debt repayment, savings or another financial priority.
Step 4. Automate your savings
Set up automatic savings to make things easier. You can set automatic deposits to an
emergency fund,
investment or retirement account on your paydays.
If your income changes from month to month, set reminders to move money when you can. You don't have to do it alone — a friend or online group can keep you motivated to stick to your budget.
Step 5. Practice budget management
Your money situation will change over time. Check your budget every few months and adjust if needed.
If you find that the initial budgeting system you chose isn’t working for you, consider trying a different strategy. The budget you choose doesn’t have to last forever.
Determine your budgeting priorities
When budgeting, it can be hard to figure out which items are most urgent. Should you prioritize your credit card debt, student loan repayments or retirement savings? Here is a list of potential priorities from most to least urgent.
Priority No. 1: Start an emergency fund.
Priority No. 1: Start an emergency fund.
Priority No. 2: Get your 401(k) match.
Priority No. 2: Get your 401(k) match.
Priority No. 3: Pay off high-interest debt.
Priority No. 3: Pay off high-interest debt.
Priority No. 4: Save for retirement (again).
Priority No. 4: Save for retirement (again).
Priority No. 5: Grow your emergency fund.
Priority No. 5: Grow your emergency fund.
Priority No. 6: Pay down the rest of your debt.
Priority No. 6: Pay down the rest of your debt.
Priority No. 7: Save for yourself.
Priority No. 7: Save for yourself.
Try a simple budgeting plan: 50/30/20
One popular budget plan is the 50/30/20 budget. If you stick to this plan, you can handle your bills, save for the future, prepare for emergencies and enjoy life, too.
Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
Your necessities — about 50% of your after-tax income — should include:
Groceries.
Housing.
Basic utilities.
Transportation.
Insurance.
Minimum loan and credit card payments. Anything beyond the minimum goes into the savings and debt repayment category.
Child care or other expenses you need so you can work.
If your basic needs go over 50%, you can use some of your “wants” money for now. That's OK. But if those needs are going over 50% month after month, consider switching to another budgeting model. Switching your budget isn't a sign of failure. Budgets should work for your life.
If your necessities fall under the 50% cap, review the expenses that stay the same every month, often called fixed expenses. You may find a
better cell phone plan
, an opportunity to
refinance your mortgage
or a less expensive car insurance option. Those money moves create breathing room in your budget.
Leave 30% for wants
Separating wants from needs
can be difficult. Needs are essential for you to live and work. Typical wants include dinners out, gifts, travel and entertainment.
It’s not always easy to decide: Are organic groceries a want or a need? How about house cleaning services or food delivery? Decisions vary from person to person.
If you want to get out of debt as fast as you can, you may decide your wants can wait until you have some savings or your debts are under control. But your budget should include fun money. If it's too strict, it's harder to stick with.
Commit 20% to savings and debt paydown
Use 20% of your after-tax income to put money away for the unexpected, save for the future and pay off debt balances (paying more than minimums). Think about your biggest money goals and use this part of your income to reach them.
Best way to budget
The best way to budget is one you can follow. Pick a plan that works for your life and goals. If the 50/30/20 budget isn’t realistic for you, maybe a 60/20/20 breakdown makes more sense — 60% toward necessities, 20% toward wants and 20% toward savings and retirement.
You might have to try a few different budget plans to find one that works for you. Just make sure any plan covers needs, wants and savings.
Try out a few tools to track your money — like a notebook, a worksheet or an app — and pick the one you'll actually use.
By testing what works best for you, you're more likely to find a budget that helps you reach your financial goals.
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How to Budget Money in 5 Steps
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# How to Budget Money in 5 Steps
Divide your income among needs, wants, savings and debt repayment.
[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/amanda-barroso)
Written by
Amanda Barroso
[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/amanda-barroso)
[Amanda Barroso](https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/amanda-barroso)
Lead Writer & Content Strategist
4 years of experience
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Amanda Barroso, Ph.D., is a writer and content strategist helping consumers navigate budgeting, credit building and credit scoring. Before joining NerdWallet, Amanda wrote about demographic trends at the Pew Research Center and earned a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.
Her work has been featured by the Associated Press, Washington Post and Yahoo Finance.
Published in 
[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/lauren-schwahn)
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Lauren Schwahn
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Senior Writer & Content Strategist
10 years of experience
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Lauren Schwahn is a writer at NerdWallet who covers credit scoring, debt, budgeting and money-saving strategies. She contributed to the "Millennial Money" column for The Associated Press and managed a team of writers producing content for the series. Her work has also been featured by USA Today, MSN, The Washington Post and more. Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is based in San Francisco.
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Laura McMullen assigns and edits content related to personal loans and student loans. She previously edited money news content. Before then, Laura was a senior writer at NerdWallet and covered saving, making and budgeting money; she also contributed to the "Millennial Money" column for The Associated Press. Before joining NerdWallet in 2015, Laura worked for U.S. News & World Report, where she wrote and edited content related to careers, wellness and education and also contributed to the company's rankings projects. Before working at U.S. News & World Report, Laura interned at Vice Media and studied journalism, history and Arabic at Ohio University. Laura lives in Washington, D.C.
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A budget is a plan for how you use your money. No matter how much you earn or how often you get paid, a budget helps you stay on top of your bills, savings and other money goals. It can give you more control and less stress.
## How to create a budget: step-by-step
To budget money, follow the five steps below.
### Step 1. Figure out your after-tax income
If you get a regular paycheck, the amount you bring home is your after-tax income. This is also called your [net income](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/take-home-income) or take-home pay.
If money is taken out of your paycheck for things like a 401(k) or insurance, add that back in when making your budget. That way, you'll see your full income.
If you have other types of money coming in — such as from side gigs — subtract anything that reduces that income, such as taxes and business expenses.
» Stay informed:
- Check out NerdWallet's [news hub](https://www.nerdwallet.com/news) for all the latest.
- Subscribe to one of NerdWallet's [free newsletters](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/news/newsletter-signup).
### Step 2. Choose a budgeting system
A budgeting system is a plan for how to use your money. Everyone has different habits, personality types and approaches to managing money, and there are systems that can fit your lifestyle.
Every budget should cover your needs, some wants and savings for emergencies and the future.
Examples of [budgeting systems](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-choose-the-right-budget-system) include the envelope system, the zero-based budget, and the [50/30/20 budget](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/nerdwallet-budget-calculator), in which 50% of your take-home pay goes toward necessities, 30% toward wants and 20% toward savings and retirement.
Other breakdowns, like 60/20/20 and 60/30/10, may work well for some situations.
### Meet MoneyNerd, your weekly news decoder
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[SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE](https://moneynerd-nerdwallet.beehiiv.com/)

### Step 3. Track your progress
Write down what you spend, or use a [budget app](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/best-budget-apps) or [NerdWallet's budget template](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/budget-worksheet) to help.
Pay attention to where your money is going. If you notice areas where you’re overspending, try to cut those costs. If you’re able to make cuts and have money left over, put it toward debt repayment, savings or another financial priority.
### Step 4. Automate your savings
Set up automatic savings to make things easier. You can set automatic deposits to an [emergency fund,](https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/emergency-fund-why-it-matters) investment or retirement account on your paydays.
If your income changes from month to month, set reminders to move money when you can. You don't have to do it alone — a friend or online group can keep you motivated to stick to your budget.
### Step 5. Practice budget management
Your money situation will change over time. Check your budget every few months and adjust if needed.
If you find that the initial budgeting system you chose isn’t working for you, consider trying a different strategy. The budget you choose doesn’t have to last forever.
## Determine your budgeting priorities
When budgeting, it can be hard to figure out which items are most urgent. Should you prioritize your credit card debt, student loan repayments or retirement savings? Here is a list of potential priorities from most to least urgent.
Priority No. 1: Start an emergency fund. Priority No. 1: Start an emergency fund.
Many experts recommend trying to build up several months of bare-bones living expenses. NerdWallet suggests starting an emergency fund of at least \$500, which could be enough to cover small emergencies and repairs. If that starting amount isn’t possible, put at least a little bit toward the fund every paycheck.
According to a [recent NerdWallet survey](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/studies/2026-consumer-outlook-report), 46% of Americans plan on saving money for emergencies in 2026.
Priority No. 2: Get your 401(k) match. Priority No. 2: Get your 401(k) match.
If your job offers a 401(k) match, consider putting in enough to get the full match. That's free money.
Priority No. 3: Pay off high-interest debt. Priority No. 3: Pay off high-interest debt.
A NerdWallet study found that 30% of Americans plan on paying off one or more of their debts in full in 2026
\[1\]
NerdWallet. [2026 Consumer Outlook Report – 51% Say Prices Will Worsen.](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/studies/2026-consumer-outlook-report) Accessed Jan 1, 2026.
[View all sources](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#citation-list)
.
If this is one of your goals, focus on high-interest credit card debt or loans, such as personal and payday loans, title loans and rent-to-own payments.
Look into ways to [help with your debt](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/find-debt-relief) — like a [debt management plan](https://www.nerdwallet.com/personal-loans/learn/how-does-debt-management-work) or bankruptcy — if either of these things is true for you:
- You can't repay your credit cards, medical bills or personal loans (i.e., unsecured debt) in the next five years, even if you cut your spending a lot.
- Your total debt (not including things like a mortgage or car loan) is as much or more than half of what you make before taxes.
Priority No. 4: Save for retirement (again). Priority No. 4: Save for retirement (again).
Once you've paid off your high-interest debt and have some extra money, focus on saving for retirement. Financial experts suggest saving 10-15% of your income before taxes for retirement. For many people, that's a goal to work towards over time. Just know that your company match, if offered, counts toward that 15% total.
If your job doesn't offer a 401(k), or if you’ve already put in enough to get the full match, you can look into other options, such as a Roth or traditional [IRA](https://www.nerdwallet.com/retirement/learn/learn-about-ira-accounts).
Priority No. 5: Grow your emergency fund. Priority No. 5: Grow your emergency fund.
Keep adding to your emergency savings. Try to build up enough to cover three to six months of basic living expenses — like rent, groceries and utilities.
It might take a long time to reach this goal. That's OK. Use the fund when emergencies happen, and try to put the money back when you can.
Priority No. 6: Pay down the rest of your debt. Priority No. 6: Pay down the rest of your debt.
Once your emergency fund is in good shape and your retirement savings are on track, focus on other debts. These payments go beyond the minimum required to [pay off debt](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/pay-off-debt), if you have any remaining.
If you’ve already paid off your high-interest debt, what’s left is probably lower-rate, such as student loans, or tax-deductible debt like your mortgage. Tackle these when the goals listed above are covered.
Try not to take money away from your emergency fund and retirement savings to do this.
Priority No. 7: Save for yourself. Priority No. 7: Save for yourself.
Great job! If you've taken all the steps above, you're in a great position. You’ve built smart money habits and now have more freedom with your money.
To earn more on your savings, think about using a [high-yield savings account](https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/high-interest-savings-account). These often pay more than regular savings accounts.
You can divide your savings into different buckets — one for emergencies, one for car repairs and one for fun. Some banks will automatically move your monthly interest earnings to your bucket of choice, helping you reach your goals faster. The more you save, the more your money grows. It's a win-win.
## Try a simple budgeting plan: 50/30/20
One popular budget plan is the 50/30/20 budget. If you stick to this plan, you can handle your bills, save for the future, prepare for emergencies and enjoy life, too.
### Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
Your necessities — about 50% of your after-tax income — should include:
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Basic utilities.
- Transportation.
- Insurance.
- Minimum loan and credit card payments. Anything beyond the minimum goes into the savings and debt repayment category.
- Child care or other expenses you need so you can work.
If your basic needs go over 50%, you can use some of your “wants” money for now. That's OK. But if those needs are going over 50% month after month, consider switching to another budgeting model. Switching your budget isn't a sign of failure. Budgets should work for your life.
If your necessities fall under the 50% cap, review the expenses that stay the same every month, often called fixed expenses. You may find a [better cell phone plan](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/best-cell-phone-plans), an opportunity to [refinance your mortgage](https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/learn/how-to-refinance-your-mortgage) or a less expensive car insurance option. Those money moves create breathing room in your budget.
### Leave 30% for wants
[Separating wants from needs](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/financial-needs-versus-wants) can be difficult. Needs are essential for you to live and work. Typical wants include dinners out, gifts, travel and entertainment.
It’s not always easy to decide: Are organic groceries a want or a need? How about house cleaning services or food delivery? Decisions vary from person to person.
If you want to get out of debt as fast as you can, you may decide your wants can wait until you have some savings or your debts are under control. But your budget should include fun money. If it's too strict, it's harder to stick with.
### Commit 20% to savings and debt paydown
Use 20% of your after-tax income to put money away for the unexpected, save for the future and pay off debt balances (paying more than minimums). Think about your biggest money goals and use this part of your income to reach them.
## Best way to budget
The best way to budget is one you can follow. Pick a plan that works for your life and goals. If the 50/30/20 budget isn’t realistic for you, maybe a 60/20/20 breakdown makes more sense — 60% toward necessities, 20% toward wants and 20% toward savings and retirement.
You might have to try a few different budget plans to find one that works for you. Just make sure any plan covers needs, wants and savings.
Try out a few tools to track your money — like a notebook, a worksheet or an app — and pick the one you'll actually use.
By testing what works best for you, you're more likely to find a budget that helps you reach your financial goals.

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Article sources Article sources
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our [editorial guidelines.](https://www.nerdwallet.com/l/nerdwallet-editorial-guidelines)
- [1\.](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#citation-1850354181) NerdWallet. [2026 Consumer Outlook Report – 51% Say Prices Will Worsen.](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/studies/2026-consumer-outlook-report) Accessed Jan 1, 2026.
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About the authors
[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/amanda-barroso)
[Amanda Barroso](https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/amanda-barroso)
Amanda Barroso, Ph.D., is a writer and content strategist helping consumers navigate budgeting, credit building and credit scoring. Before joining NerdWallet, Amanda wrote about demographic trends at the Pew Research Center and earned a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.
Her work has been featured by the Associated Press, Washington Post and Yahoo Finance.
Published in 
[](https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/lauren-schwahn)
[Lauren Schwahn](https://www.nerdwallet.com/author/lauren-schwahn)
Lauren Schwahn is a writer at NerdWallet who covers credit scoring, debt, budgeting and money-saving strategies. She contributed to the "Millennial Money" column for The Associated Press and managed a team of writers producing content for the series. Her work has also been featured by USA Today, MSN, The Washington Post and more. Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is based in San Francisco.
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- [How to create a budget: step-by-step](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#how-to-create-a-budget-stepbystep)
How to create a budget: step-by-step
- [Step 1. Figure out your after-tax income](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#step-1-figure-out-your-aftertax-income)
- [Step 2. Choose a budgeting system](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#step-2-choose-a-budgeting-system)
- [Step 3. Track your progress](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#step-3-track-your-progress)
- [Step 4. Automate your savings](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#step-4-automate-your-savings)
- [Step 5. Practice budget management](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#step-5-practice-budget-management)
- [Determine your budgeting priorities](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#determine-your-budgeting-priorities)
- [Try a simple budgeting plan: 50/30/20](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#try-a-simple-budgeting-plan-503020)
Try a simple budgeting plan: 50/30/20
- [Allow up to 50% of your income for needs](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#allow-up-to-50-of-your-income-for-needs)
- [Leave 30% for wants](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#leave-30-for-wants)
- [Commit 20% to savings and debt paydown](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#commit-20-to-savings-and-debt-paydown)
- [Best way to budget](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-budget#best-way-to-budget)
Helpful Resources
[8 Ways to Track Monthly Expenses](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/tracking-monthly-expenses)
[Free Budget Spreadsheets and Tools](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/free-budget-spreadsheets-templates)
[Game Apps That Pay Real Money: Truth, Not Hype](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/game-apps-pay-real-money)
[How to Pay Off Debt: Top Strategies for 2026](https://www.nerdwallet.com/personal-loans/learn/pay-off-debt)
Related articles
[ What Is a Budget? Definition and Tips  2 By Lauren Schwahn, Amanda Barroso](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/what-is-a-budget)
[ Needs vs. Wants: How to Budget for Both  By Lisa Mulka](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/financial-needs-versus-wants)
[ Sinking Funds: The Secret to Stress-Free Expenses  By Amanda Barroso](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/nerdwallet-sinking-fund-savings)
[ What Is My Net Income?  By Lisa Mulka](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/take-home-income)

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NerdWallet™ \| 4150 N Drinkwater Blvd, Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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| Readable Markdown | SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED
This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
A budget is a plan for how you use your money. No matter how much you earn or how often you get paid, a budget helps you stay on top of your bills, savings and other money goals. It can give you more control and less stress.
To budget money, follow the five steps below.
Step 1. Figure out your after-tax income
If you get a regular paycheck, the amount you bring home is your after-tax income. This is also called your [net income](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/take-home-income) or take-home pay.
If money is taken out of your paycheck for things like a 401(k) or insurance, add that back in when making your budget. That way, you'll see your full income.
If you have other types of money coming in — such as from side gigs — subtract anything that reduces that income, such as taxes and business expenses.
» Stay informed:
- Check out NerdWallet's [news hub](https://www.nerdwallet.com/news) for all the latest.
Step 2. Choose a budgeting system
A budgeting system is a plan for how to use your money. Everyone has different habits, personality types and approaches to managing money, and there are systems that can fit your lifestyle.
Every budget should cover your needs, some wants and savings for emergencies and the future.
Examples of [budgeting systems](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/how-to-choose-the-right-budget-system) include the envelope system, the zero-based budget, and the [50/30/20 budget](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/nerdwallet-budget-calculator), in which 50% of your take-home pay goes toward necessities, 30% toward wants and 20% toward savings and retirement.
Other breakdowns, like 60/20/20 and 60/30/10, may work well for some situations.
Step 3. Track your progress
Pay attention to where your money is going. If you notice areas where you’re overspending, try to cut those costs. If you’re able to make cuts and have money left over, put it toward debt repayment, savings or another financial priority.
Step 4. Automate your savings
Set up automatic savings to make things easier. You can set automatic deposits to an [emergency fund,](https://www.nerdwallet.com/banking/learn/emergency-fund-why-it-matters) investment or retirement account on your paydays.
If your income changes from month to month, set reminders to move money when you can. You don't have to do it alone — a friend or online group can keep you motivated to stick to your budget.
Step 5. Practice budget management
Your money situation will change over time. Check your budget every few months and adjust if needed.
If you find that the initial budgeting system you chose isn’t working for you, consider trying a different strategy. The budget you choose doesn’t have to last forever.
Determine your budgeting priorities
When budgeting, it can be hard to figure out which items are most urgent. Should you prioritize your credit card debt, student loan repayments or retirement savings? Here is a list of potential priorities from most to least urgent.
Priority No. 1: Start an emergency fund. Priority No. 1: Start an emergency fund.
Priority No. 2: Get your 401(k) match. Priority No. 2: Get your 401(k) match.
Priority No. 3: Pay off high-interest debt. Priority No. 3: Pay off high-interest debt.
Priority No. 4: Save for retirement (again). Priority No. 4: Save for retirement (again).
Priority No. 5: Grow your emergency fund. Priority No. 5: Grow your emergency fund.
Priority No. 6: Pay down the rest of your debt. Priority No. 6: Pay down the rest of your debt.
Priority No. 7: Save for yourself. Priority No. 7: Save for yourself.
Try a simple budgeting plan: 50/30/20
One popular budget plan is the 50/30/20 budget. If you stick to this plan, you can handle your bills, save for the future, prepare for emergencies and enjoy life, too.
Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
Your necessities — about 50% of your after-tax income — should include:
- Groceries.
- Housing.
- Basic utilities.
- Transportation.
- Insurance.
- Minimum loan and credit card payments. Anything beyond the minimum goes into the savings and debt repayment category.
- Child care or other expenses you need so you can work.
If your basic needs go over 50%, you can use some of your “wants” money for now. That's OK. But if those needs are going over 50% month after month, consider switching to another budgeting model. Switching your budget isn't a sign of failure. Budgets should work for your life.
If your necessities fall under the 50% cap, review the expenses that stay the same every month, often called fixed expenses. You may find a [better cell phone plan](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/best-cell-phone-plans), an opportunity to [refinance your mortgage](https://www.nerdwallet.com/mortgages/learn/how-to-refinance-your-mortgage) or a less expensive car insurance option. Those money moves create breathing room in your budget.
Leave 30% for wants
[Separating wants from needs](https://www.nerdwallet.com/finance/learn/financial-needs-versus-wants) can be difficult. Needs are essential for you to live and work. Typical wants include dinners out, gifts, travel and entertainment.
It’s not always easy to decide: Are organic groceries a want or a need? How about house cleaning services or food delivery? Decisions vary from person to person.
If you want to get out of debt as fast as you can, you may decide your wants can wait until you have some savings or your debts are under control. But your budget should include fun money. If it's too strict, it's harder to stick with.
Commit 20% to savings and debt paydown
Use 20% of your after-tax income to put money away for the unexpected, save for the future and pay off debt balances (paying more than minimums). Think about your biggest money goals and use this part of your income to reach them.
Best way to budget
The best way to budget is one you can follow. Pick a plan that works for your life and goals. If the 50/30/20 budget isn’t realistic for you, maybe a 60/20/20 breakdown makes more sense — 60% toward necessities, 20% toward wants and 20% toward savings and retirement.
You might have to try a few different budget plans to find one that works for you. Just make sure any plan covers needs, wants and savings.
Try out a few tools to track your money — like a notebook, a worksheet or an app — and pick the one you'll actually use.
By testing what works best for you, you're more likely to find a budget that helps you reach your financial goals.

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