Debt, Budget and Money Basics
Budget Methods Compared
Zero-based, 50/30/20, envelopes, pay yourself first and more, compared by how much effort and how many rules each one needs.
The sheet in words
Up is more effort (you track it often); down is less effort (set it and go). Left is loose rules (room to flex); right is strict rules (tight control).
50/30/20
Needs, wants and savings split
Zero-Based Budget
Every dollar gets a job each month
Envelope Cash Stuffing
Cash per category. Empty means stop.
App-Based Tracking
Auto-tracks spending. Check weekly.
80/20
Save the 20 first, spend the rest
Pay Yourself First
Save on payday, spend what is left
No Budget
Works only if you already save enough
The best budget is the one you will actually keep doing.
General education only, not financial advice. Placements are judgment, not statistics, and the right method depends on your income, bills and habits. Pay yourself first and 80/20 both start with moving savings out before you spend. Review any method after a few months and change it if it is not working. Wealth Pro HI · wealthprohi.com/debt
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