If you’ve ever tried to get your finances in order, you’ve probably come across the 50/30/20 budget. It’s a simple rule of thumb: put half of your take-home pay toward needs, 30% toward wants and lifestyle, and 20% toward savings and debt repayment. But life isn’t always that tidy. Rent prices climb, energy bills spike, you might have childcare costs or student loans that don’t fit neatly into generic percentages. That’s where our 50/30/20‑ish approach comes in — it’s a flexible framework you can tailor to your real‑life numbers. In this guide, we’ll explain the traditional 50/30/20 model, show you how to adjust it based on your own circumstances, and…

Building a rainy-day fund is one of the most important financial steps you can take. Life has a way of throwing surprise expenses at us—whether it’s a sudden car repair, a dental bill, or an appliance giving up the ghost. Having at least £1,000 set aside means you can breathe easier and avoid putting emergencies on a credit card. Over the next eight weeks, we’ll walk you through a straightforward plan to build your fund without feeling deprived. It’s not about skipping every treat; it’s about making a plan, trimming what doesn’t matter, and watching your savings grow. This article includes a printable 8-week checklist to track your progress. Let’s…