There are many ways to budget your money. Picking the best method can be hard. Luckily, Reddit is full of tips and ideas from people who share their experiences. We looked at the most popular methods on Reddit, using upvotes, comments, and mentions to see what people liked most. Here are the top budgeting methods that might help you find one that works for you.

1. 50/30/20 Budget

The 50/30/20 budget is simple. You spend 50% of your money on needs like rent, food, and bills. Then, 30% goes to wants, like eating out or hobbies. The last 20% is saved or used to pay off debt. Many people on Reddit like this method because it’s easy to follow. It’s a good starting point for people new to budgeting.

2. Zero-Based Budgeting

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) means giving every dollar a job. At the end of the month, your income minus your spending should be zero. This method helps you control where your money goes. Reddit users often use tools like YNAB (You Need a Budget) to make ZBB easier. People who like to track their spending in detail find this method helpful.

3. Envelope System (Cash Stuffing)

The envelope system is old-school but still popular. You put cash into different envelopes for things like groceries or fun. Once an envelope is empty, you can’t spend more. Many Reddit users say this helps them avoid spending too much. They like that it feels real because you use cash, not cards.

4. 80/20 Budget

The 80/20 budget is very simple. You save 20% of your money as soon as you get paid. The other 80% can be used for everything else. Redditors say this method works well if you don’t want to track every little expense but still want to save money.

5. 60/30/10 Budget

The 60/30/10 budget is like the 50/30/20 but updated. It suggests using 60% of your money for needs, 30% for wants, and 10% for savings. Some Reddit users say they switched to this because prices have gone up and they need to spend more on needs. It’s a good option if you feel like the 50/30/20 budget doesn’t work for you anymore.

6. Reverse Budgeting

Reverse budgeting puts savings first. You save for your goals before paying for other things. Whatever is left goes to spending. People on Reddit who want to save more or pay off debt like this method. It can be great if you have a clear savings target.

7. Value-Based Budgeting

Value-based budgeting means spending money on what really matters to you. If you care about travel, you might spend more there and less on clothes. Reddit users say this helps them feel better about their money because it matches their personal goals and values.

Budget Method Comparison Table

Budgeting Method	Best For	Complexity	Reddit Popularity
50/30/20	Beginners	Low	High
Zero-Based Budgeting	Detailed planners	High	High
Envelope System	Controlling overspending	Medium	Moderate
80/20 Budget	Simple saving	Low	Moderate
60/30/10 Budget	Adjusting to costs	Low	Growing
Reverse Budgeting	Savings-focused people	Medium	Niche
Value-Based Budgeting	Spending with purpose	Medium	Growing

Sage Summary

Reddit is a great place to learn about budgeting methods. The 50/30/20 rule and Zero-Based Budgeting are very popular, but there are many others to try. The best method depends on your money goals and what makes you feel in control. Exploring these methods can help you find the right fit for your life.