The 50 30 20 rule of budgeting is a simple way to manage your money without drowning in spreadsheets. By splitting your income into needs, wants, and savings, you can keep your spending in check and hit your financial goals faster. This article explains what the 50 30 20 rule is, how it actually works, and how to fit it into real life—even when things aren’t perfect. We’ll dig into common mistakes, hacks for sticking to the plan, and how to tweak the rule when life gets off track. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense approach to budgeting, this is for you.