Is 500 a good amount to save every month?

Asked by: Jermain Kling  |  Last update: January 25, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (57 votes)

Using the 50/30/20 model, you could aim to save upward of $500 every month (or as much as you can). Saving where and when you can and being strategic with windfalls (such as a bonus), and dedicating additional income (like an annual raise) can help you work toward this goal.

Is saving $500 a month good?

Saving $500 to $750 a month can be considered a good practice, depending on your financial goals, income, and expenses. Here are some factors to consider: Income Level: For some people, this amount might be a significant portion of their income, while for others, it may be less impactful.

Is 500 a good amount to save each month?

With some planning and effort, saving £500 a month is an achievable target. At an average interest rate of 2.35%, saving around £500 a month for 10 years would result in a total savings of around £67,107. It's crucial to balance saving and meeting your current financial needs.

What is a good amount to save a 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.

How many people have $500 in savings?

Nearly Half of Americans Don't Have $500 in Savings

According to the survey, 49% of Americans have $500 or less in their savings account, with 36% reporting they have less than $100 saved up. This means that a small financial upset can cause these households to end up in debt — or more debt.

Do This EVERY Time You Get Paid (Paycheck Routine)

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How much do most Americans save per month?

Source: NerdWallet survey conducted online March 30-April 3, 2023, by The Harris Poll among 2,035 U.S. adults. Savers say they typically set aside $985, on average, in a normal month, according to the survey. The median amount reported is $250.

How many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck?

Nearly half of Americans at least somewhat agree with the statement, "I am living paycheck to paycheck," as of the third quarter of 2024. The share shrank slightly between the second and third quarters of this year, but in 2022, less than 40% of Americans felt this way, Bank of America reports.

Is $1,000 a month a lot 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.

How much should I have saved by age?

By age 35, aim to save one to one-and-a-half times your current salary for retirement. By age 50, that goal is three-and-a-half to six times your salary. By age 60, your retirement savings goal may be six to 11-times your salary. Ranges increase with age to account for a wide variety of incomes and situations.

How much money a month is good?

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.

Is it good to save $600 a month?

The average worker starts saving for retirement at age 31, according to a survey from the Nationwide Retirement Institute. If you began investing $600 per month in S&P 500 index funds at age 31 while earning a 10% annual rate of return, you'd have just over $1 million saved by age 60.

What can I do with 500?

The three most frequently mentioned uses of the £500 were:
  • Pay off debt.
  • Save it.
  • Put it towards a holiday.

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 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.

Is $1,000 dollars a month good?

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.

Can I retire at 60 with 300k?

£300k in a pension isn't a huge amount to retire on at the fairly young age of 60, but it's possible for certain lifestyles depending on how your pension fund performs while you're retired and how much you need to live on.

At what age should you have $100 K saved?

“By the time you hit 33 years old, you should have $100,000 saved somewhere,” he said, urging viewers that they can accomplish this goal. “Save 20 percent of your paycheck and let the market grow at 5% to 7% per year,” O'Leary said in the video.

Is saving $500 a month bad?

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.

Can I save $10,000 in 3 months?

Calculate how much you need to save each month to reach $10,000 in three months. That's approximately $3,333 per month, which should fit into your spending plan. This likely means you'll have to prioritize your needs over wants and make some tough sacrifices, at least in the short term.

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.

Do middle class people live paycheck to paycheck?

So far this year, 24% of middle-income households earning $51,000 to $75,000 a year have been living paycheck to paycheck, up from 23% last year and 20% in 2019, before the COVID-19 crisis began, according to the Bank of America Institute.

How to save quicker?

How to save money quickly
  1. Save money without lifting a finger. ...
  2. Get your outgoings organised. ...
  3. Set a savings goal. ...
  4. Make one sacrifice. ...
  5. Sell stuff you don't need. ...
  6. Write your own rules. ...
  7. Try the £5 challenge. ...
  8. Always check in with your sensible side.