How to Use the 70/20/10 Budget Rule Like a Millionaire [With Free Calculator]
Budgeting Isn’t Just for People with Less—It’s How the Wealthy Stay Wealthy.
Let’s get one thing clear: millionaires don’t wing it with their money. They know exactly where every dollar goes, and they make it work for them. And guess what? Most of them don’t follow complex financial algorithms. They follow simple rules.
One of the most powerful (and trending) frameworks for financial clarity in 2025 is the 70/20/10 Budget Rule.
Whether you earn $3,000 or $30,000 a month, this rule is simple enough for beginners—but strategic enough for the wealthy. And yes, you can start applying it today.
What Is the 70/20/10 Budget Rule?
This is a budget system in which you allocate your income in three categories:
70%: Living Expenses
20%: Savings & Investments
10%: Debt Repayment or Donations
It is designed to provide you with structure without spreadsheets and guilt. You develop smart percentages in life so you do not need to question every cup of coffee or every subscription.
And what is even better is? It is something you can change as you go along.
Story Time: “I Hit $100K in Savings by Following This”
Janice is a 35-year-old marketer in Singapore, who was crushed with budgeting applications and debt worries.
"I wasn’t broke, but I wasn’t building either,” she recalls.
She stumbled upon the 70/20/10 rule while browsing online and started with a basic Excel template. Within 2 years, she had:
Paid off her credit card completely
Built a six-month emergency fund
Started investing in a REIT with her extra savings
“It simplified everything,” she said. “I didn’t just save—I felt in control.”
How to Calculate the 70/20/10 Budget
Let’s say you earn S$5,000/month.
Here’s what your budget looks like:
70% for Living: $3,500 (rent, food, transport, insurance)
20% for Saving/Investing: $1,000 (CPF top-up, ETFs, emergency fund)
10% for Debt/Donations: $500 (credit card payments, tithe, family support)
Now plug your own numbers into our Free 70/20/10 Budget Calculator and get started right away.
Why the 70/20/10 Rule Works So Well
It increases with your earnings
The ratio applies regardless of the fact that you earn more or less.It creates a guilt-free lifestyle
You see what is to live--and what is to build.It builds wealth over time
Those 20% savings can compound faster than you think.It avoids burnout
These 20 percent savings may increase sooner than you imagine.
70/20/10 vs 50/30/20: Which Is Better?
You’ve likely heard of the 50/30/20 rule too. So what’s the difference?
The 50/30/20 rule splits your income into 50% for essentials, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings—without a dedicated portion for debt.
The 70/20/10 rule allocates 70% for all expenses, 20% for savings, and 10% specifically for debt or giving, making it more suitable for high-cost lifestyles or structured repayment goals.
In Singapore, where housing and food can take up a larger share, the 70/20/10 rule can feel more realistic for most.
Millionaire Mindset: The Secret Is Consistency
Budgeting isn’t about cutting—it’s about channeling.
Whether you use the 70/20/10 Budget Template Excel, or prefer our online calculator, what matters most is building consistency and accountability into your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Budget Like You’re Already Wealthy
Don’t wait to “have enough” before you budget. Budgeting is what gets you there.
We do not just talk about money at Ascendant Globalcredit Group; we establish financial clarity with you. Use our calculators, check on your investment or mortgage possibilities or contact our advisors.
Start taking your 70/20/10 plan now and make each dollar counter by getting the next milestone.
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Take your monthly salary and multiply it by 0.7 (your expenses), 0.2 (savings/investments), and 0.1 (debt/donations). Or use our free 70/20/10 rule calculator.
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This will be a variation in which 70 percent will be spent and the other 30 percent distributed to 10 percent savings, 10 percent investments and 10 percent giving. It is specific, however, less popular.
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It involves channeling your earnings into 70 percent need/wants, 20 part savings/investing and 10 percent debts or in issues of importance to you.
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By giving structure to your finances. It keeps you spending within limits while also building wealth—and helping you sleep better at night.