The 50/30/20 rule assumes some of the following things are true: Your monthly income is consistent. You are a medium to high-income earner. You live in a low-medium cost of living area. It doesn’t account for the incredibly diverse cost of living depending on your location and situation, nor what to do if you have inconsistent income. If you fall outside of any of the traditional lifestyles it caters to, it might not be realistic for you at this point in time.