50/30/20 rule calculator UK
A simple way to split your after-tax income: 50% on needs, 30% on wants, 20% on savings or debt. Adjusted for how UK households actually spend.
£
Needs 50%
£1,250
/ month
Wants 30%
£750
/ month
Savings 20%
£500
/ month
Needs Wants Savings
Needs
Bills you can't skip without serious consequences.
- Rent or mortgage
- Council tax
- Energy & water
- Groceries
- Minimum transport costs
- Insurance
- Phone & broadband
Wants
Things that improve life but can be cut back.
- Eating out & takeaways
- Streaming subscriptions
- Hobbies & gym
- Weekends away
- New clothes & gadgets
Savings
Paying down debt or building future wealth.
- Emergency fund
- Pension or ISA
- Debt overpayments
- Holiday fund
- House deposit
Make it work with your actual pay cycle
The 50/30/20 rule is usually taught as a monthly split. If you're paid weekly or four-weekly, divide each number by your pay cycle instead. Poise Money lets you budget by weekly, fortnightly, four-weekly or monthly pay without converting everything to a calendar month.