50-30-20 Budget Starter
Stop guessing. In 60 seconds, get a clear target for Needs (50%) · Wants (30%) · Savings & Debt (20%)—so you can spend without guilt and still build the future.
Perfect for: busy adults who hate complicated budgeting apps but want a fast, actionable starting point.
Why this works
Most people don’t need another tracker—they need a starting line. Enter one number (your after-tax monthly income) and the sheet instantly calculates your ideal 50/30/20 amounts. No account linking. No 27-tab spreadsheet. Just clarity.
What you’ll get
- Google Sheet (Make a copy—ready in seconds)
- Excel Workbook (.xlsx)
- Auto-calculated targets for Needs, Wants, and Savings/Debt
- Quick calculator view for clean screenshots and at-a-glance sharing
- Plain-English instructions (find income, plug it in, compare)
How it works (under a minute)
- Open the Google Sheet or Excel file
- Enter your monthly take-home pay in the highlighted cell
- See your personalized 50/30/20 targets instantly
- Compare your actual spending to the targets and adjust
What it helps you do
- Set reasonable spending targets without guesswork
- Keep fun money in the plan (guilt-free wants)
- Pay down debt and grow savings with intention
- Avoid burnout—simple beats complicated
Who it’s for
- “I don’t want to micro-track everything.”
- “I just want to know what’s reasonable for my budget.”
- “Give me a number to aim at—then I’m good.”
What’s inside
/50-30-20_Budget_Starter.xlsx
FAQ
Is this a full budget tracker?
No—this is your starting line. It gives you confident targets fast. Use it alone or alongside your favorite app.
What if my rent is high?
Flex it. Try 60/20/20 for a season. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Can I use it if I’m paid weekly/biweekly?
Yep. Just enter your monthly take-home (the sheet includes a quick note on converting).
Pro tip
Pair this with a weekly 15-minute “money date.” Open the sheet, glance at your targets, make one small adjustment. Done.
License
Single user license. Feel free to use across your own devices. Not for redistribution or resale.
The simplest way to start budgeting: one input → 50/30/20 targets for spending, saving, and debt. Free, fast, and flexible.