How much should you have left over after bills each month?

Asked by: Kacie Rice  |  Last update: December 16, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (13 votes)

Ideally, you want to have 20% of your take-home pay left over after paying all of your bills. Track spending using an app or spreadsheet to determine why there isn't more money left over after bills. Consider cutting unnecessary bills (like cable, streaming networks, gym memberships) to save money.

How much money should I have leftover each month?

The 50-30-20 budget rule states that you should spend up to 50% of your after-tax income on needs and obligations that you must have or must do. The remaining half should dedicate 20% to savings, leaving 30% to be spent on things you want but don't necessarily need.

Can you live off $1 000 a month after bills?

Getting by on $1,000 a month may not be easy, but it is possible to live well even on a small amount of money. Try these tactics. Surviving on $1,000 a month requires careful budgeting, prioritizing essential expenses, and finding ways to save money.

What is the 70/20/10 rule money?

First, calculate your monthly take-home pay, then multiply it by 0.70 to get the amount you can spend on living expenses and discretionary purchases, such as entertainment and travel. Next, multiply your monthly income by 0.20 to get your savings allotment and 0.10 to get your debt repayment.

What is a good amount of money to put away each month?

How much should you save each month? For many people, the 50/30/20 rule is a great way to split up monthly income. This budgeting rule states that you should allocate 50 percent of your monthly income for essentials (such as housing, groceries and gas), 30 percent for wants and 20 percent for savings.

I Have Too Many Bills Each Month

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What is a good amount of money to spend per month?

50% of your net income should go towards living expenses and essentials (Needs), 20% of your net income should go towards debt reduction and savings (Debt Reduction and Savings), and 30% of your net income should go towards discretionary spending (Wants).

Is saving $500 a month good?

Investing $500 a month can lead to significant long-term growth, thanks to the power of compounding returns. Whether you are just starting out or adding to an existing portfolio, consistently investing $500 each month can help you build substantial savings for future goals, like retirement or a down payment on a house.

How to budget $3,000 a month?

Here's an example: If you make $3,000 each month after taxes, $1,500 should go toward necessities, $900 for wants and $600 for savings and debt paydown. Find out how this budgeting approach applies to your money.

How much should I save if I make 70k a year?

Most experts recommend putting 10 to 15% of your income into a retirement account each year.

Is 50/30/20 outdated?

But amid ongoing inflation, the 50/30/20 method no longer feels feasible for families who say they're struggling to make ends meet. Financial experts agree — and some say it may be time to adjust the percentages accordingly, to 60/30/10.

How much income should you have left after paying bills?

Ideally, you want to have 20% of your take-home pay left over after paying all of your bills. Track spending using an app or spreadsheet to determine why there isn't more money left over after bills. Consider cutting unnecessary bills (like cable, streaming networks, gym memberships) to save money.

How much monthly income to survive?

While this figure can vary based on factors such as location, family size, and lifestyle preferences, a common range for a good monthly salary is between $6,000 and $8,333 for individuals.

What is the 50 20 30 rule?

The 50-30-20 rule recommends putting 50% of your money toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% toward savings. The savings category also includes money you will need to realize your future goals. Let's take a closer look at each category.

Is $1,000 a month a good amount to save?

Saving £1,000 a month could have a substantial impact on your long-term financial wellbeing. At an average interest rate of 2.35%, saving £1,000 a month for 10 years would result in a total savings of around £134,215. It's crucial to strike a balance between saving and meeting your current financial needs.

Can you live on $4,000 a month?

$4000 a month isn't anywhere close to the poverty line unless you're living in like NY or SF. It's almost 4x above the poverty line on a federal level. If you make that much and don't live in a big city you should be counting your blessings.

What is leftover money called?

Discretionary income is money left over after a person pays their taxes and for essential goods and services like housing and food. Nonessential items like vacations and luxury goods are usually paid for with funds from discretionary income.

Is 70k a low salary?

If you're single and have a salary of $70k, you are part of above-average earners in the U.S. Depending on where you live, you may be able to live comfortably on a $70,000 salary as a single person.

Is $1500 a month enough to retire on?

We've asked financial experts to weigh in and many have emphasized that with careful planning and well thought out strategies, it's entirely possible to live on this amount during retirement.

Is $5,000 a month good?

Outside the most expensive parts of the United States, $5,000 per month is typically enough to cover rent or mortgage payments and other lifestyle expenses if you're mindful of your budget.

How much should rent be of income?

It is recommended that you spend 30% of your monthly income on rent at maximum, and to consider all the factors involved in your budget, including additional rental costs like renters insurance or your initial security deposit.

Is $3000 a month good for a single person?

Can You Live on 3000 a Month? Whether $3000 a month is good for you depends on the number of family members you have and the quality of living you want to sustain. If you're single and don't have a family to take care of, $3000 is enough to get you through the month comfortably.

What is a realistic amount to save per month?

Some experts suggest saving 10% of your income, while others swear by the 50/30/20 budget rule that socks away 20% of your earnings for savings. Ultimately, how much money you should save each month depends on your unique financial goals and situation.

How much does the average middle class person have in savings?

The median savings account balance for middle-class Americans is $13,000. Upper-income earners have far more in savings than middle-class Americans. The amount of savings you should have is determined based on your personal goals.

Is saving $50 a week good?

If you invest $50 per week, that's the equivalent of $200 per month, or approximately $2,400 per year. Over a 30-year period, that would result in more than $72,000 in savings. It's a good chunk of savings, but it isn't a life-changing amount.