What is a realistic amount to save per month?

Asked by: Anastasia Hane  |  Last update: November 16, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (57 votes)

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.

Is saving $500 a month a lot?

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 $1000 a month a lot to save?

To start, 1000 a month is fantastic and well above what most, regardless of age, are achieving. This amount is more than a lot of people have in their savings accounts period.

How much is realistic 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 person 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 Much of Your Paycheck Should You Save? (With Data)

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Is $20,000 a good amount of savings?

All in all, depositing $20,000 in a savings account can be wise if you have a short-term plan for the money. Your deposit will be safe and you can generate decent amounts of interest in the meantime.

Is saving $200 a month good?

Saving just $200 a month may not sound like a big deal, but that's $2,400 yearly. This extra money can go a long way toward your other financial goals, like saving money or investing. Also, aiming at a “reachable” goal, like saving $200 a month, could eventually save much more each month once you get the hang of it.

What is a healthy amount to save per month?

At least 20% of your income should go towards savings. Meanwhile, another 50% (maximum) should go toward necessities, while 30% goes toward discretionary items. This is called the 50/30/20 rule of thumb, and it provides a quick and easy way for you to budget your money.

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.

Can I save 10K 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.

Is saving $1200 a month a lot?

That's still a lot. To get a little over $1 million in 25 years, Graves has you stashing away over $1,200 a month for retirement. But it's a lot less than $2,600 a month, and with Graves' calculations, you'll be putting in the money for 25 years instead of 40.

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 50k in savings good?

Saving up $50,000 is a significant milestone — one that can provide a bit of financial security in life.

How much should a 30 year old have saved?

Here's how that breaks down by each decade along the way: Savings by age 30: the equivalent of your annual salary saved; if you earn $55,000 per year, by your 30th birthday you should have $55,000 saved. Savings by age 40: three times your income. Savings by age 50: six times your income.

Can I retire at 65 if I have $1 million in a 401k and will receive $2500 monthly from social security?

Well, it certainly depends on your standard of living. But for most people the answer is yes. This should be enough to generate a comfortable income in most parts of the country.

Is saving $20 a week good?

Small amounts will add up over time and compounding interest will help your money grow. $20 per week may not seem like much, but it's more than $1,000 per year. Saving this much year after year can make a substantial difference as it can help keep your financial goal on your mind and keep you motivated.

Can I retire at 62 with 800k in 401k?

For example, a 62-year-old with $800,000 in savings and a monthly Social Security benefit of $2,600 can reasonably expect an annual income of $63,200 in retirement. However, this figure can vary greatly depending on your individual circumstances.

Is $5,000 a month good salary ?

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 many people have $3000000 in savings?

Probably 1 in every 20 families have a net worth exceeding $3 Million, but most people's net worth is their homes, cars, boats, and only 10% is in savings, so you would typically have to have a net worth of $30 million, which is 1 in every 1000 families.

Does your 401k count as savings?

[See Diversify Your Portfolio, Not Each Investment Account.] Your retirement account is not a savings account. Despite the fact that retirement accounts are designed for long-term goals, it is relatively easy to access your money in the form of 401(k) loans and 401(k) hardship withdrawals.

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.

How much money should I have left after bills?

The answer will depend on your income, expenses, and financial goals. Here's a closer look. 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.

How much should the average person save a month?

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.

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 500 a month in savings 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.