How Much to Save Per Paycheck (how much to save per paycheck): A Practical Guide

January 13, 2026

If you’ve ever wondered how much to save from each paycheck, you’re not alone. The classic rule of thumb is to aim for 20% of your take-home pay. This isn’t just a random number; it’s the savings portion of the popular 50/30/20 budget, a simple framework that can really build a strong financial foundation. Think of it as the starting line. Hitting that 20% mark helps you get into the rhythm of paying yourself first, which is crucial for tackling debt, building an emergency fund, and investing for the long haul. ...