Stop overthinking your money. This mini-guide turns the 50/30/20 rule into a simple, fill-in-the-blanks spreadsheet so you can set targets, log expenses, and see where you stand—fast.

Perfect for: busy adults who want a sane starting point (not a 27-tab monster).

What it is

A lightweight, no-linking, no-stress budget starter built around 50% Needs · 30% Wants · 20% Savings/Debt. Enter income, add a few expenses, and the sheet shows your targets, progress, and remaining balance—all in minutes.

What’s inside (tabs)

• Overview – Quick instructions + 50/30/20 refresher
• BudgetSetup – Enter take-home pay (and optional side income); auto-calculates targets for Needs/Wants/Savings
• Expenses – Add items with type (Need / Want / Saving) and monthly amounts
• Summary – At-a-glance dashboard: Total Income, Total Expenses, Remaining Balance, and your % split across Needs/Wants/Savings

(Example defaults included so you see how it works immediately.)

How it works (under 2 minutes)

1. Open BudgetSetup → enter your monthly after-tax income (and side income if any)
2. Check your auto-calculated targets for 50/30/20
3. Log a few real expenses on Expenses (tag each as Need/Want/Saving)
4. View Summary to see your split and Remaining Balance

Why you’ll like it

• One-screen clarity — targets + progress at a glance
• Zero bank linking — privacy and speed
• Flexible — if rent’s high this season, adjust and keep moving
• Beginner-friendly — perfect “first budget” to build confidence

Who it’s for

• “Just tell me what’s reasonable to spend.”
• “I want targets, not micromanagement.”
• “Give me a simple tool I’ll actually use.”

Compatibility

• Excel (.xlsx)
• Works in Google Sheets (File → Import) if you prefer the cloud

FAQ

Is this a full tracker?
It’s a starter. You’ll get clear targets and a simple expense log + dashboard. Add more categories anytime.

Paid weekly/biweekly?
Enter your monthly take-home (convert using your pay stub totals).

What if my needs are >50%?
Life happens. Start where you are and nudge toward balance—progress beats perfection.

License

Single user license. Use on your devices. Not for redistribution/resale.

Ready to stop guessing?
Click Get this and build your first budget in minutes—without budgeting like a maniac.