nummiFree sample · 6 min · no account needed
Budgeting Basics
You don't need to make more money to feel like you have more money. You need a plan for the money you already have.
A budget is just a plan, not a punishment
A budget isn't about restriction. It's about deciding in advance where your money goes instead of wondering where it went. When you don't have a plan, your money naturally flows toward whatever's easiest to click 'buy' on.
You get $200 from a birthday gift. Without a plan, it's gone in a week on random purchases. With a plan, $100 goes to savings, $60 to something fun, $40 stays flexible.
The 50/30/20 rule
A simple starting split: 50% of your income toward needs (food, transportation, phone bill), 30% toward wants (games, going out, subscriptions), and 20% toward savings or debt payoff. It's not exact science, just a starting ratio you can adjust.
On a $400/month allowance or paycheck: about $200 for needs, $120 for wants, $80 into savings.
Try it yourself
Split your own money
Slide to what comes in each month, from a job, allowance or gifts.
Saved in a year at 20%
$960
- Needs (50%)
- $200
- Wants (30%)
- $120
- Savings (20%)
- $80
It's a starting split, not a rule. If needs take more than half, wants are usually the first place to look.
Flashcards make it stick
Tap the card to flip it
Quick check
In the 50/30/20 rule, what does the 20% go toward?
Nummi is for learning. Nothing here is financial advice.