5 Budgeting Rules Financial Experts Swear By
Mastering your finances starts with a solid budget, and these expert-approved rules can help you stay on track.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
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Making your money work better is what a budget is all about, not restricting yourself. Financial professionals use tried-and-true budgeting techniques to manage spending, saving, and investing. You may gain long-term wealth and take charge of your finances by adhering to these five crucial guidelines, from the 50/30/20 rule to the 24-Hour rule.
1. The 50/30/20 Rule
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This popular framework allocates 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings or debt repayment. It creates a structured yet flexible way to manage your finances without feeling overly restricted.
2. Pay Yourself First
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Before covering bills or expenses, set aside money for savings and investments. This rule ensures that you consistently build wealth rather than saving only what’s left over.
3. Zero-Based Budgeting
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With this method, every dollar of income is assigned a specific purpose—whether it’s for bills, savings, or entertainment. By planning out expenses down to the last cent, you gain full control over your money.
4. The Envelope System
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Using cash-filled envelopes for different spending categories helps curb impulse purchases and stick to limits. Once an envelope is empty, no more spending is allowed in that category for the month.
5. The 24-Hour Rule for Big Purchases
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Waiting at least a day before making significant purchases helps prevent impulsive decisions. This pause gives you time to evaluate whether the expense is truly necessary or just a temporary desire.