Organise your accounts
You know where you’re at. You know where you want to go. Now it’s time to lay back on your lilo and learn about a tried and tested formula that could do the work for you.
Highlights
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The 50-30-20 budget - how it works
It’s not about how much you earn, but what you do with your money that counts. This easy 50-30-20 budget is a great place to start when you’re still working out how to organise your money in a way that works for you. Taking into account your circumstances split your monthly income into three buckets. Remember, every bucket looks different for everyone.
This calculator illustrates a 50/30/20 split but consider what will work for you. You may want to put less to your wants and more to your savings goals - you're the budget boss!
50% to your needs
These are the important things you can’t ignore. Your home, three meals a day, running water, electricity, loan repayments. If it can’t be skipped and must be accounted for it goes in this bucket.
30% to your wants
New clothes. Weekly brunch. Concert tickets. These are the things that you want to have, but could give up if you absolutely had to. Pop a portion of your income into this bucket so you don’t have to miss out on the good stuff.
20% to your goals
This bucket looks different to everybody. Whether you’re saving up for a house, paying off debt or want to have a cushion for unexpected expenses, this one helps you achieve your goals.
Take this budget for a test drive...
See how your budget stacks up against the 50-30-20. Is there anything that you could stop, swap or change to make it better?
Pro tip
Your savings account can take different forms. It could be a term deposit, your mortgage offset account or even just a regular savings account. Do your research to find what’s best for you.
Your goals on autopilot
Once you’ve figured out your own 50-30-20 rule, you can really set yourself up for success. To help your savings grow even faster, turn on auto-pilot. The less you have to think about saving money, the easier it is to save.
You could set up direct debits on the first day of your pay cycle to automatically split your income between your accounts. When it happens automatically you don’t even miss the money and sticking to your budget becomes a whole lot easier. Just remember to do what's right for you.
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Play the long game
We can all agree, patience is a virtue, but when it comes to your savings account, patience can also be a money maker. When you’re working towards a goal, every little bit helps. If you're wanting to improve your interest earning potential, compare accounts to find the features that suit your needs.
Be sure to check for:
- Minimum monthly deposits that need to be met
- Monthly or annual account fees
- Offers of bonus interest if you don’t make any withdrawals
Alternatively, term deposits are locked accounts that you can’t withdraw from for a set period of time, making them great interest earners in the long-term.
Organise your accounts. 'Actual' buckets not needed.
See what happens when comedian Luke McGregor organises his 'buckets'.
You’ve just organised your accounts. Easy done.
You’re becoming a budgeting boss, making your finances do the hard work for you.
What's next?
The information set out above is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives financial situation or needs. By providing this information ANZ does not intend to provide any financial advice or other advice or recommendations. You should seek independent financial, legal, tax and other relevant advice having regard to your particular circumstances.
ANZ does not use the information you provide for the purpose of assessing any application.
The Bucket your Money tool is provided for illustrative purposes only and is based on the accuracy of information provided.
ANZ does not store the information provided in the Bucket your Money tool or use the information you provide for the purpose of assessing any application.