How the five-way split works

This is a simple starting point for splitting up whatever you bring home — not a rulebook. Adjust any category and the other four will shift to keep everything adding up to 100%.

Essential Expenses — 55%

Housing, food, transportation, and other bills that keep life running.

Fun Money — 5%

Spend it, no explanation needed. A little breathing room every month.

Debt or Investing — 10%

Paying down what you owe. No debt? Put it toward investing instead.

Short-Term Savings — 15%

The next year or two: a trip, a repair, a cushion for the unexpected.

Long-Term Investing — 15%

Retirement and the far-off future. Small and steady wins here.

This is a general guideline for organizing your own money, not financial advice.