In our ever-evolving financial landscape, there is a new suggested approach to budgeting that is gaining traction. This challenges the conventional wisdom of the popular 50/30/20 method. The financial influencer Katie Gatti, known for her insights on “Money with Katie,” suggests a fresh new formula of 50/38/12 rule as opposed to the 50/30/20 rule.
At its core, the 50/38/12 rule maintains that:
| Percentage of Income | Budget Category |
| 50% | Essential Expenses |
| 38% | Savings |
| 12% | Discretionary Spending |
Gatti states that by amplifying our savings rate, we can significantly shorten the timeline to financial freedom. This offers us the luxury of choice and security much sooner than the traditional models suggest.
50/38/12 Rule over the 50/30/20 Budgeting Concept Rule
Adopting the 50/38/12 budgeting rule over the traditional 50/30/20 strategy gives an innovative edge to those aiming for financial prosperity. By prioritizing a more aggressive savings approach, you’re effectively building a safety net at an accelerated pace. It means that your not just saving cash for that rainy day but also fast-tracking your way to significant milestones. This can be buying a home, investing in your dream start-up, or securing an early retirement.
The charm of the 50/38/12 rule lies in the proactiveness of individuals. It enables them to take control of their future without compromising present satisfaction. Imagine cutting down on impulsive buys or those little indulgences that don’t enrich your life significantly. Now, redirect that cash into your savings. Doesn’t sound too daunting, right? It’s like forgoing a daily gourmet coffee for the satisfaction of watching your investment portfolio grow. Over time, these shifts in spending habits can add up to a substantial nest egg. This in turns offers the luxury to make choices based on desire, not necessity.
Furthermore, by allocating a larger portion of your income to savings, you’re not just preparing for unforeseen challenges. This allows you to explore avenues to generate passive income. This could mean analysing the stock market, investing in property or looking for alternative forms of income. Each of these paths has the potential to grow your wealth and provide a sense of achievement and autonomy.
Should we even follow such Budgeting Concept rules?
Are we convinced that these rules really help us or hinder us? They can indeed provide guidance, but they may not necessarily be practical. So should we even be considering the 50/38/12 or the 50/30/20 Budgeting Concept rule? These rules do not take in to account compiling a tailored approach that fits your unique financial landscape. For starters, the rigidity of any set rule can sometimes lead to inefficiencies in money management.
Compelling you to spend unnecessarily
For instance, if your income significantly increases does that mean you now have to strictly adhering to the 50/38/12 Budgeting Concept rule. Clearly this structure might compel you to increase your spending unnecessarily, just to keep the percentages intact.
For example, say you received a promotion with a significant pay raise. Now, instead of automatically bumping up that dining out budget to meet the 30% allocation for wants, consider pausing and evaluating. Could this extra income be more impactful by funnelling it into your savings or investments, rather than elevating your lifestyle? It may be more professionally intelligent to redirect these unexpected financial gains into savings or investments, rather than spending.
Unpredictably of life
Life is unpredictable and emergencies don’t abide by financial rules. This strategy’s focus on set percentages might leave you underprepared for unforeseen expenses. This in turn stresses the importance of having a flexible emergency fund outside these calculations.
Say, for a moment, your car suddenly breaking down on the freeway or a sudden health issue cropping up in your family. Neither of these situations sends a prior notice, nor do they consider your financial allocations before they strike. In a world strictly governed by the 50/30/20 rule, your 20% savings might be severely insufficient for covering a hefty auto repair bill or unexpected medical expenses. Suddenly, the budget that felt comfortable and even prosperous can feel suffocatingly tight. These emergencies act like curveballs, throwing your meticulously planned budgetary percentages out of kilter. Instead of fitting your unique financial scenario into a rigid framework, it becomes evident that flexibility and a more personalized approach to budgeting serve you better, allowing for adjustments that life’s unpredictability demands.
Is there a more effectiveBudgeting Concept approach to Money Savings?
An alternative approach? Base your savings strategy on the principle of saving as much as possible. This could be guided by your goals, needs, and unexpected life events. This adaptability ensures that instead of forcing expenditure to meet a particular structure. Your financial planning evolves with your life, always prioritizing financial freedom and preparedness.
While the 50/38/12 rule offers a solid framework for balancing today’s enjoyment with tomorrow’s security, it’s essential to remember that personal finance is just that—personal. Adapting general rules to fit your specific circumstances, goals, and challenges is not just smart. This is necessary for long-term financial health and happiness. So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and find a strategy that works best for you.
Alternative Budgeting Concept Approaches for Money Savings
Some alternative strategies to consider might include creating multiple budgeting categories based on your priorities. For example, “essential expenses,” “savings and investments,” and “discretionary spending.” This allows for more flexibility in managing your money while still ensuring you are prioritizing important areas like savings and investments.
Another approach could be to set a specific percentage of your income for each category or make your own Budgeting Concept. This is then adjusted as needed based on changes in your income or expenses. This allows for more adaptability while still providing structure and guidelines for managing your finances.
Ultimately, the most important aspect of any savings strategy is that it works for you and helps you achieve your personal financial goals. So, take the time to review your individual needs and priorities and find a strategy that aligns with them. With a personalized and adaptable approach, you can confidently navigate unexpected life events while also building a strong financial foundation for the future. Keep in mind that financial planning is not a task that is undertaken once, but is an ongoing process. It is important to continue to reassess and adjust your strategy as needed.
Money Savings is more than just Rules and Spreadsheets
Remember, personal finance is not just about numbers and spreadsheets. It also takes into account emotional, social, financial and physical intelligence. Trackling your finances or Budgeting Concept can be overwhelming and intimidating, however by doing so you can create a more positive and supportive environment for yourself. This means putting yourself in the shoes of others involved in your financial decisions. This takes into account family members or financial advisors, and considering their perspectives. It also means being understanding and compassionate with yourself as you navigate your financial journey.
By incorporating a mix of structure and flexibility, personalization and empathy, you can create a strong financial plan that works for you. Start by setting clear goals and priorities. Then you can find the right strategy to help you achieve them while also taking care of your emotional well-being. As part of The Academy for Professional Intelligence®, in the free savvy-savings blueprint we aim to approach money savings in a more holistical way as opposed to a rule based approach. This is a more professionally intelligent way to approach an effective money savings strategy.
