Question 1

How is this different from the 50/30/20 rule?

Accepted Answer

50/30/20 uses national averages for needs, wants and savings. This planner uses your actual committed bills, so the split is based on what you really pay, and it rebalances toward debt repayments when you carry debt.

Question 2

Should I budget from gross or take-home salary?

Accepted Answer

Take-home, always. Gross ignores tax and other deductions, so a budget built on it overstates what you have. Run your gross salary through a tax calculator first to find your real take-home pay.

Question 3

How much should I be saving each month?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your committed costs. A common target is 20% of take-home pay, but the honest starting point is smaller: build a buffer of three months' committed bills first, then grow the savings slice as your surplus allows.

Question 4

Is the 30% housing rule realistic?

Accepted Answer

It works for most people and is a good early-warning line, but in expensive cities many households spend more than 30% and still manage. The planner flags when you are above it so you can see the pressure it puts on the rest of your budget.

Question 5

Is this planner free?

Accepted Answer

Yes - no sign-up, no paywall. The salary tax calculator for 46 countries is free too.

Budget & Money Planner