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I feel that if people are forced or guilted into giving, then it’s not really a gift. I also don’t like telling people that they “should” give part of their paycheck away. The Ugly: Why I cringe at Dave Ramsey’s percentages… You need to build patterns and habits with budgeting to succeed while still being flexible if you need to scramble at the end of the month. The key to using budget category percentages is that you be consistent with them. These recommendations cover almost all things a person would spend money on (nothing is 100%, let’s just be real here).It sets aside money for insurance! Most household budget percentage guides don’t even mention insurance, which is one of the most important line items on your budget! Please don’t skip this and cross your fingers that nothing happens that is a recipe for disaster.For example, if you have debt payments, they recommend taking down entertainment & personal spending and using that money for debt payoff. They have some flexibility when they give a range! On his site, they say it’s not a hard rule to stick to these percentages.There are a couple of things that I really like about Dave Ramsey recommended percentages. The Good: Why I like Dave Ramsey percentages… Now Investopedia has estimated his net worth to be $55 million! He’s written a lot of books about finance, so if you want to know more about his style, check out which is the best Dave Ramsey book for you. The people listened, and they followed him, taking his money tips of focusing on debt repayment and crushing their savings goals, and now they’re telling others about him. He wanted to tell others how he did it and how they can change their lives by better managing their finances. Slowly but surely, a little bit day by day. Ouch! But he dug himself out of the hole he was in. He started in real estate, amassing a $4 million portfolio, and then he lost it all by age 30. His signature course, Financial Peace University, has had more than 5 million students all across America, all working his Baby Steps program, and it’s growing every day! Not too shabby, huh!īut he didn’t start out this way. His podcast, The Dave Ramsey Show, has more than 14 million listeners each week on over 600 stations! He’s been doing it for 25+ years, so it’s obvious that he has a passion for this work. I mentioned that Dave Ramsey is the money guru, but what makes him great for budgeting beginners? He tells it to you straight. Why should I listen to Dave Ramsey recommended percentages? Miscellaneous: 5-10% – everything else that doesn’t fit in the other categories.Personal Spending: 5-10% – the little things, i.e., haircuts, clothes, subscription boxes, etc.This is such an interesting category, as what one person feels is a necessity, another may feel it’s an “extra.” Be willing to have an open mind about what truly is a negotiable expense. Entertainment: 5-10% – going out & having fun.So find an independent insurance company and buy a term policy. And the older you are the more expensive it becomes. Yes! If you have a family, then you need life insurance! Pro Tip – don’t go through your workplace if you leave that job, there goes your insurance. Insurance: 10-25% – health, auto, renters & mortgage, life, etc.Health: 5-10% – prescriptions, co-pays, deductibles, dental coverage, vision coverage, etc.Or this includes public transportation methods as well. Transportation: 10% – car payments, gas, oil changes, etc.Housing: 25% – this covers principal payments on loans, interest, taxes, HOA, etc.Utilities: 5-10% – water, cable, gas, trash, etc.
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If snacks and Starbucks don’t fit within your budget, then consider moving those items to your personal splurge spending. Think meals, pantry staples, fresh produce, dairy, and meats. For this category, you need to prioritize your basic food items. Food: 10-15% – your food budget includes groceries and eating out, coffee shops, etc.These can be cash envelopes or more permanent separate bank accounts to be used as sinking funds. Don’t forget to set aside money for your big financial goals, the dream vacation, the backyard upgrade, etc.
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