Budgeting Methods · Pay Yourself First

Pay yourself first: 30% savings before wants.

45% needs, 25% wants, 30% savings in SmartJib. Put larger savings allocation in place before optional spending.

Core habit

Save first, spend second. Works best when higher savings share still leaves enough for essentials. If 30% savings leaves needs underfunded, switch to 50/30/20 or envelope.

Related guides

→ Compare 4 budgeting methods
→ Budget tracker MAD
→ Picking a budgeting style that fits you
→ Free private budget tracker