#budgeting

Manage personal finances with the 50-30-20 budgeting rule. Allocation: 1. 50% Needs (housing, utilities, groceries, insurance, minimum debt payments). 2. 30% Wants (dining out, entertainment, hobbies, subscriptions). 3. 20% Savings & Debt (emergency fund, retirement, extra debt payments, investments). Track with apps: Mint, YNAB, Personal Capital. Automate savings (pay yourself first). Review monthly. Adjust percentages based on goals and life stage. Build 3-6 month emergency fund first. Simple framework for financial health without restrictive budgeting.