honestly was skeptical about budgeting. I had tried everything – spreadsheets, apps, you name it. Nothing stuck. Then a friend told me about the 50/30/20 rule and I figured why not give it one more shot.
What is the 50/30/20 Rule?
Its simple: 50% of your income goes to needs (rent, bills, groceries), 30% goes to wants (entertainment, dining out), and 20% goes to savings. Sounds easy, right?
Week 1 – The Reality Check
Wow, this was eye-opening. I had no idea how much I was spending on takeout. My 30% wants category was blown in the first week. I had to get serious.
Week 2 – Getting Creative
I started meal prepping. Canceled subscriptions I forgot I had. Found free entertainment options. It was hard but doable.
Week 3 – The Habit Forms
By week three, I stopped checking my phone every five minutes. The automatic savings transfer made it so I never even saw that money.
Week 4 – The Results
I saved $680 that month. $680! That had never happened before. I treated myself to a nice dinner out with some of the money I saved by cutting back.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. This is the first budget that has actually worked for me. Its not about restriction – its about intention. Now I know exactly where every dollar goes.
If you have been struggling with budgeting like I was, give this a try. You might surprise yourself.