How to make a budget that actually works: Video tutorial

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY

Money, money, money.

It can be so easy to spend and so hard to save. That's where budgeting and savings calculators can help! These calculators can help you approach your finances in a way that works with your income and your life. The calculators are available online, and the best part is, they're free! These tools are designed to act as a guide and not provide financial advice. If you have questions or want personalized financial advice, consult a professional.

Watch this video for three ways to help you create a budget and save money.

50/30/20 rule

When it comes to basic budgeting, an online 50/30/20 calculator is a good place to start.

This budgeting rule splits your monthly take-home pay in three ways:

  • 50% goes towards things you need to pay for, like rent, groceries and gas.

  • 30% goes towards things you want to pay for, like dining out and subscription services.

  • 20% goes towards paying down debt and growing savings.

Input your details and see what the calculator spits out. The numbers are a suggestion, so make adjustments where you need to.

Savings calculator

One of the most rewarding parts of saving is spending your hard-earned money on something you’ve been waiting for, like a down payment on a house, a vacation or a new plant.

There are a lot of different ways to keep track of your savings goal, and an online savings goal calculator can help you determine how much money you should set aside every month to accomplish that goal in a specific amount of time.

Once you know what you need to reach your savings goal, it’s just a matter of making some money moves. This doesn’t have to be literal, like creating a new savings account for this purchase, but you can create a spreadsheet, use an app that puts money in a virtual jar, providing a useful visual of the progress you’re making or see what free tools your bank offers to help you set and track your saving goals.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to budget (including 50/30/20 rule): Video tutorial

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