How much of my income should I save each month?

Aim to save at least 20% of your take-home pay every month. That's the "20" in Alexa von Tobel's 50/20/30 system, and she says "20% or more" on purpose — because ideally, you push past it.

That 20% isn't one thing. It's the bucket that funds everything securing your future: your emergency fund, your retirement contributions, extra debt payoff, and savings for the goals you're dreaming about. Alexa's advice is to never skimp here. Every time you make money, clock some of it away first — like a chipmunk storing nuts for the winter — so your future self is always taken care of.

Can't hit 20% right now? Start where you are. Even a small, consistent automatic transfer builds the habit, and the habit matters more than the number when you're getting started. A little goes a long way over time, and you can grow the percentage as your essentials and debt come under control.

The key is to make saving automatic and non-negotiable, not an afterthought once everything else is spent.

Want to know exactly how much to save for your goals — and how to get there faster? The Financially Fearless course maps it out step by step. Learn more today.