50/30/20 rule

Split your paycheck with 50/30/20.

The simplest way to get your money in order: half for the essentials, a slice for wants, and the rest for your future. Enter your income and see how much goes to each bucket.

$80,000

The 50/30/20 rule is a starting point — adjust the splits to your reality.

Your monthly split$80,000
Needs · 50%$40,000

Rent, food, utilities, transport

Wants · 30%$24,000

Going out, hobbies, subscriptions

Savings · 20%$16,000

Savings & investing, your future

Why it matters

The easiest way to get your money in order

Simple to start

No complicated spreadsheets. Three buckets and you are done: the easiest way to start budgeting.

Balance between today and tomorrow

You cover the essentials, treat yourself without guilt, and lock in your savings. All in balance.

Savings first

You set aside 20% the moment you get paid, before you spend it. Paying yourself first is the key.

Adaptable to you

The percentages are a guide. In Daiku you adjust the limits to your reality and track your progress.

With Daiku

From the split to your real budget

01

Calculate your split

Enter your income and see how much goes to needs, wants, and savings.

02

Create your budgets

Bring those numbers into Daiku as limits per category.

03

Track your progress

Log your spending and see whether you are staying within each bucket, in real time.

Why Daiku

50/30/20, put into practice

Start free
Budget by category
Flexible limits, not just 50/30/20
Available to spend in real time
Savings set aside first
Multi-currency
No ads, ever

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the 50/30/20 rule?

It is a method for splitting your income: 50% to needs (the things you cannot avoid), 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and investing. Simple and effective for getting started with budgeting.

What goes in each category?

Needs: rent, food, utilities, transportation. Wants: going out, hobbies, subscriptions. Savings: emergency fund, investments, and extra debt payments.

What if the numbers do not add up?

That is normal at first. Use 50/30/20 as a target and adjust — say 60/25/15 — while you get your fixed expenses in order. The important part is building the habit.

Does it work if I earn little?

Yes. The rule is a proportion, not an amount. Even if 20% is small in dollars, the habit of setting it aside is what builds your savings over time.

Is it free?

The calculator is free and requires no sign-up. Building budgets and tracking your spending is also free forever in Daiku.

Get your paycheck in order today

Put the 50/30/20 rule into practice with Daiku.

Start free