How can I create a family budget I can actually stick to?
Start with the 50/30/20 rule: half for needs, 30% for lifestyle, 20% for savings. It's a simple starting point before moving on to a loan.
In this guide
The 50/30/20 rule
A simple way to organise a budget: 50% for basic needs, 30% for lifestyle and 20% for savings or an emergency fund.
What this says about a loan
The balance helps you see how much you can carry in payments without straining daily life. It's a good test before moving on to a mortgage.
The trick: record everything
A budget only works if you record every expense, including the small, invisible ones. That's where you see where the money actually goes.
Worked example
For every €1,000 of monthly income (example figures): about €500 for essential expenses, €300 for variable ones and €200 for savings. If the home payment doesn't fit within the 50% for needs, that's a sign to revisit the amount.
Sources
Susana Vasconcelos
- Intermediária de crédito autorizada pelo Banco de Portugal n.º 0008496
- Mais de 10 anos na banca