How to Budget on a Low Income: The 50/30/20 Rule Explained with Examples

The $1,200 Challenge: When Traditional Budgeting Advice Falls Short

Maria stared at her bank statement, feeling the familiar knot in her stomach. After rent, utilities, groceries, and her minimum student loan payment, she had exactly $47 left from her $1,200 monthly income. Every financial blog she'd read seemed written for people making twice her salary, offering advice like "save 20% of your income" that felt impossibly out of reach.

Sound familiar? If you're struggling to make ends meet on a low income, you're not alone. According to the Federal Reserve, 40% of Americans can't cover a $400 emergency expense, and millions more live paycheck to paycheck despite working full-time jobs.

The traditional 50/30/20 budgeting rule wasn't designed for people earning minimum wage or struggling with entry-level salaries. But here's the thing: with the right modifications and realistic expectations, this proven budgeting framework can work for anyone, regardless of income level.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll show you exactly how to adapt the 50/30/20 rule for low-income budgeting, complete with real-world examples, practical worksheets, and actionable strategies that actually work when money is tight.

Understanding the 50/30/20 Rule: The Foundation of Smart Budgeting

Before diving into low-income adaptations, let's understand what the 50/30/20 rule actually means and why it's become the gold standard of personal budgeting.

The Traditional 50/30/20 Breakdown

The 50/30/20 rule, popularized by Harvard bankruptcy expert Elizabeth Warren, divides your after-tax income into three categories:

50% for Needs (Essential Expenses)

Housing (rent/mortgage, utilities)
Transportation (car payment, gas, insurance)
Groceries and basic clothing
Minimum debt payments
Insurance premiums
Essential phone service

30% for Wants (Discretionary Spending)

Entertainment and dining out
Hobbies and subscriptions
Non-essential shopping
Gym memberships
Travel and vacations
Premium services

20% for Savings and Debt Repayment

Emergency fund building
Retirement contributions
Extra debt payments
Long-term savings goals

Why This Rule Works in Theory

The 50/30/20 rule provides a simple framework that:

Ensures essential needs are covered first
Allows for enjoyment and quality of life
Forces consistent saving and debt reduction
Creates clear spending boundaries
Requires minimal calculation or tracking

The Low-Income Reality Check

Here's where traditional advice breaks down for low-income earners. When you're making $25,000 annually (about $2,083 monthly before taxes), the math looks drastically different:

After taxes: ~$1,750 monthly

50% for needs: $875
30% for wants: $525
20% for savings: $350

In many cities, $875 won't even cover rent, let alone all essential expenses. This is why we need a modified approach that acknowledges the realities of low-income living while still building toward financial stability.

The Modified 50/30/20 Rule for Low-Income Budgets

After working with hundreds of individuals and families on tight budgets, I've developed a modified version of the 50/30/20 rule that actually works for low-income situations. Here's how to adapt each category:

The 70/20/10 Approach for Tight Budgets

When income is severely limited, try this modification:

70% for Essential Needs
20% for Wants and Flexible Expenses
10% for Savings and Debt Reduction

The 60/25/15 Moderate Adjustment

For slightly higher low incomes, this balance works well:

60% for Essential Needs
25% for Wants and Quality of Life
15% for Financial Goals

The Progressive Improvement Model

Start with survival mode and gradually work toward the traditional percentages:

Phase 1 (Survival): 80/15/5

Focus on meeting basic needs
Minimal discretionary spending
Small emergency fund building

Phase 2 (Stability): 70/20/10

Basic needs met comfortably
Some quality of life improvements
Consistent small savings

Phase 3 (Growth): 60/25/15

Needs covered with buffer
Regular discretionary spending
Meaningful savings progress

Phase 4 (Ideal): 50/30/20

Traditional percentages achieved
Full emergency fund
Long-term wealth building

Real-World Examples: Low-Income Budgeting in Action

Let's look at three realistic scenarios showing how the modified 50/30/20 rule works with actual low incomes.

Example 1: Sarah - Single Mom, $1,400 Monthly Income

Sarah's Situation:

Single mother with one child
Works part-time retail + freelance gig
Monthly after-tax income: $1,400
Lives in a small city

Modified 70/20/10 Budget:

Needs (70% - $980):

Rent (shared 2-bedroom): $650
Utilities: $85
Groceries: $200
Phone: $35
Transportation (bus pass): $10

Wants (20% - $280):

Child's activities: $50
Occasional dining out: $40
Personal care: $30
Entertainment/streaming: $25
Clothing: $50
Miscellaneous: $85

Savings & Debt (10% - $140):

Emergency fund: $70
Student loan minimum: $70

Sarah's Success Strategies:

Uses food banks to stretch grocery budget
Participates in free community activities
Sells unused items for extra income
Shares childcare with neighbor friend

Example 2: Marcus - Recent Graduate, $1,800 Monthly Income

Marcus's Situation:

Recent college graduate
Entry-level office job
Monthly after-tax income: $1,800
Lives with roommates in expensive city

Modified 65/25/10 Budget:

Needs (65% - $1,170):

Rent (shared apartment): $700
Utilities split: $60
Groceries: $250
Phone: $40
Transportation (metro): $120

Wants (25% - $450):

Dining out/social: $150
Gym membership: $30
Streaming services: $25
Clothing: $75
Hobbies: $50
Personal care: $40
Buffer: $80

Savings & Debt (10% - $180):

Emergency fund: $50
Student loans: $130

Marcus's Success Strategies:

Cooks meals at home 80% of the time
Uses free gym at work when possible
Participates in free work social events
Side hustle tutoring for extra income

Example 3: Linda - Part-Time Worker, $1,100 Monthly Income

Linda's Situation:

Part-time worker in rural area
Dealing with health issues
Monthly after-tax income: $1,100
Lives alone in small apartment

Modified 75/15/10 Budget:

Needs (75% - $825):

Rent: $450
Utilities: $90
Groceries: $180
Phone: $30
Transportation (used car): $75

Wants (15% - $165):

Personal care: $25
Entertainment: $20
Clothing: $30
Dining out: $20
Miscellaneous: $70

Savings & Debt (10% - $110):

Emergency fund: $60
Medical debt payment: $50

Linda's Success Strategies:

Shops at discount stores and uses coupons
Grows some vegetables in container garden
Uses library for entertainment
Qualifies for reduced-rate utilities

Breaking Down the "Needs" Category for Low-Income Budgets

When money is tight, distinguishing between true needs and wants becomes crucial. Here's how to optimize your essential expenses:

Housing: The Biggest Challenge

Housing typically consumes 50-70% of low-income budgets, far exceeding the traditional 25-30% recommendation.

Strategies to Reduce Housing Costs:

Roommates or House Sharing: Split rent and utilities
Location Optimization: Consider areas with lower rent but manageable commute
Assistance Programs: Research housing vouchers, subsidized housing, utility assistance
Negotiate: Ask about rent reductions for maintenance work or longer leases
Alternative Housing: Consider in-law units, tiny homes, or house-sitting arrangements

Housing Cost Examples by Income Level:

$1,200 monthly income:

Maximum housing budget: $600-720 (50-60%)
Realistic target: $500-600 with roommate

$1,500 monthly income:

Maximum housing budget: $750-900 (50-60%)
Realistic target: $650-750

$2,000 monthly income:

Maximum housing budget: $1,000-1,200 (50-60%)
Realistic target: $800-1,000

Transportation: Balancing Cost and Necessity

Transportation costs vary dramatically based on location and needs.

Urban Low-Income Transportation:

Public transportation: $50-150/month
Bike + occasional rideshare: $30-80/month
Used car (older, reliable): $200-400/month total cost

Rural Low-Income Transportation:

Used car is often essential: $250-500/month
Focus on reliable, fuel-efficient vehicles
Learn basic maintenance to reduce costs

Transportation Cost-Cutting Strategies:

Buy used cars with cash to avoid interest
Choose reliable brands (Honda, Toyota) for lower maintenance
Combine trips to save fuel
Use apps like GasBuddy to find cheapest fuel
Consider carpooling or ride-sharing for commutes

Food: Eating Well on a Tight Budget

Food costs can vary from $150-400+ monthly for a single person, depending on choices and strategies.

Low-Income Grocery Strategies:

Meal Planning and Prep:

Plan weekly menus around sales
Cook large batches and freeze portions
Focus on versatile, filling ingredients
Minimize food waste through proper storage

Smart Shopping Techniques:

Shop with a list and stick to it
Use store loyalty programs and apps
Buy generic brands (often 20-40% cheaper)
Shop at discount stores (Aldi, Walmart)
Use cashback apps (Ibotta, Checkout51)

Budget-Friendly Staple Foods:

Rice, pasta, and oats (filling carbohydrates)
Dried beans and lentils (cheap protein and fiber)
Peanut butter (protein and healthy fats)
Eggs (versatile, cheap protein)
Seasonal vegetables and fruits
Canned tomatoes and frozen vegetables

Sample Weekly Menu for $40:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with banana (5 days), eggs with toast (2 days)
Lunch: Peanut butter sandwich + apple (5 days), leftovers (2 days)
Dinner: Bean and rice dishes, pasta with canned tomatoes, egg fried rice
Estimated cost: $35-40 including snacks

Utilities and Essential Services

Strategies to Reduce Utility Costs:

Apply for low-income assistance programs
Adjust thermostat settings (68°F winter, 76°F summer)
Use LED bulbs and energy-efficient appliances
Air-dry clothes instead of using dryer
Unplug electronics when not in use

Phone Service Options:

Prepaid plans: $15-40/month
Family plans: Share costs with relatives
Lifeline program: Discounts for low-income households
Use Wi-Fi whenever possible to reduce data usage

Optimizing the "Wants" Category on a Low Income

Even on a tight budget, allocating some money for discretionary spending is crucial for mental health and motivation. Here's how to maximize your limited "wants" budget:

The Psychology of Discretionary Spending

Completely eliminating all non-essential spending often leads to:

Budget rebellion and overspending
Decreased motivation to stick with the plan
Social isolation and reduced quality of life
Increased stress and anxiety

The 80/20 Principle for Low-Income Wants: Focus 80% of your discretionary budget on activities that provide the most satisfaction and value. For most people, this includes:

Social activities and relationships
Health and personal care
Hobbies that provide stress relief
Small conveniences that save time or energy

Free and Low-Cost Entertainment Ideas

Free Entertainment Options:

Public library events and resources
Community festivals and events
Hiking and outdoor activities
Free museum days
Potluck dinners with friends
Public park activities
Free online courses and tutorials

Low-Cost Entertainment ($5-20):

Matinee movies
Coffee shop visits
Thrift store shopping
Community college classes
Local sports events
Cooking new recipes at home

Strategic Splurging: Making Every Dollar Count

When you have limited discretionary income, strategic splurging becomes an art form.

High-Impact, Low-Cost Splurges:

Quality coffee beans vs. daily coffee shop visits
One nice meal out monthly vs. frequent fast food
Annual gym membership vs. monthly fees
Quality basic items vs. multiple cheap items

Example: $50 Monthly "Wants" Budget Allocation:

Personal care items: $15
One dinner out or takeout: $20
Entertainment/hobbies: $10
Small treats/coffee: $5

Building Savings on a Low Income: The 10% Strategy

Saving money on a low income requires creativity, patience, and a different mindset than traditional savings advice.

The Micro-Savings Approach

When you can only save $50-150 per month, every dollar counts. Here's how to make the most of limited savings capacity:

Start with $1 per Day:

Daily savings: $1
Weekly total: $7
Monthly total: $30
Annual total: $365

This might seem small, but it's achievable and builds the savings habit.

The Percentage Progression Method:

Month 1-3: Save 5% of income
Month 4-6: Save 7% of income
Month 7-12: Save 10% of income
Year 2+: Work toward 15%

Emergency Fund Priorities for Low-Income Earners

Traditional advice suggests 3-6 months of expenses in an emergency fund. For low-income earners, this approach needs modification:

Low-Income Emergency Fund Strategy:

Phase 1: $100 Mini-Emergency Fund

Covers small emergencies (car repair, medical co-pay)
Prevents credit card debt for minor issues
Achievable goal builds confidence

Phase 2: $500 Small Emergency Fund

Covers most common emergencies
Provides real peace of mind
Allows focus on other financial goals

Phase 3: $1,000 Standard Starter Emergency Fund

Industry-standard first milestone
Covers major car repairs, medical bills
Foundation for further financial progress

Phase 4: 1-Month Expenses

First major milestone
Covers most job loss scenarios
Significant financial security improvement

High-Yield Savings Options for Small Balances

When your savings balance is small, account fees can eat into your progress. Here are the best options for low-income savers:

Free High-Yield Savings Accounts:

Ally Online Savings: No minimum balance, competitive rates
Marcus by Goldman Sachs: No fees, good customer service
Capital One 360: Easy access, good mobile app
Discover Online Savings: No minimums, cashback rewards

Credit Union Options:

Often better rates than big banks
Lower fees and more personal service
May offer second-chance banking
Shared branching for convenience

Automatic Savings Strategies

Automation is crucial when saving small amounts, as it removes the temptation to skip savings.

Micro-Investment Apps:

Acorns: Rounds up purchases and invests spare change
Qapital: Rounds up and saves difference
Stash: Invest small amounts regularly
Digit: Analyzes spending and saves small amounts automatically

Bank Automation Features:

Automatic transfers on payday
Round-up programs
Split direct deposits
Savings challenges and goals

Debt Management on a Low Income

Managing debt while living on a low income requires strategic thinking and often difficult choices. Here's how to approach debt reduction when money is extremely tight:

Debt Prioritization Strategy

When you can only make minimum payments, focus on:

Priority 1: Secured Debt

Mortgage/rent payments
Car loans (if car is necessary for work)
Taxes owed

Priority 2: High-Interest Unsecured Debt

Credit cards
Payday loans
Personal loans

Priority 3: Low-Interest Debt

Student loans
Medical debt
Family loans

The Modified Debt Snowball for Low Income

The traditional debt snowball pays minimums on all debts while attacking the smallest balance first. For low-income situations, modify this approach:

The Micro-Snowball Method:

List all debts smallest to largest
Pay minimums on all debts
Find an extra $10-25 monthly for debt reduction
Apply extra payment to smallest debt
When paid off, add that payment to next smallest debt

Example Micro-Snowball:

Credit Card 1: $500 balance, $25 minimum
Credit Card 2: $1,200 balance, $30 minimum
Student Loan: $8,000 balance, $85 minimum
Extra available: $15 monthly

Month 1-20: Pay $40 to Card 1 ($25 + $15 extra) After Card 1 is paid: Pay $45 to Card 2 ($30 + $15 extra)

Debt Relief Options for Low-Income Earners

When debt becomes unmanageable, consider these options:

Student Loan Relief:

Income-driven repayment plans
Forbearance or deferment
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Disability discharge (if applicable)

Credit Card Debt Relief:

Hardship programs from card companies
Credit counseling services
Debt management plans
Settlement (last resort)

Medical Debt Relief:

Hospital financial assistance programs
Payment plans
Medical debt forgiveness programs
Negotiation with providers

Advanced Low-Income Budgeting Strategies

Once you've mastered the basics, these advanced strategies can help optimize your low-income budget:

The Envelope Method for Cash Control

Physical cash envelopes prevent overspending in discretionary categories:

Digital Envelope Apps:

YNAB (You Need A Budget): Comprehensive envelope budgeting
EveryDollar: Dave Ramsey's budgeting app
GoodBudget: Traditional envelope method digitized
Mint: Free budgeting with envelope features

Income Optimization Strategies

Immediate Income Boosts:

Sell unused items (clothing, electronics, furniture)
Freelance skills (writing, tutoring, pet sitting)
Participate in gig economy (food delivery, rideshare)
Take advantage of cashback and rewards programs

Medium-Term Income Growth:

Pursue additional certifications or training
Ask for additional hours at current job
Develop new skills through free online courses
Network within your industry

Long-Term Income Strategies:

Complete degree or certification programs
Change careers to higher-paying fields
Start a small business or side hustle
Pursue promotions aggressively

The Bi-Weekly Payment Strategy

If paid bi-weekly, you receive 26 paychecks annually (equivalent to 13 monthly payments). Use this "extra" money strategically:

Bi-Weekly Budget Approach:

Budget based on two paychecks monthly
Use the two "extra" paychecks annually for:
- Emergency fund building
- Debt reduction
- Annual expenses (car registration, holidays)
- Small splurges or treats

Technology Tools for Low-Income Budgeting

Modern technology offers powerful tools to help manage money on a tight budget:

Essential Budgeting Apps

Free Options:

Mint: Comprehensive financial tracking
Personal Capital: Investment and net worth tracking
PocketGuard: Simple spending tracking
Goodbudget: Envelope method budgeting

Paid Options Worth the Cost:

YNAB: $14/month, but many users save more than the cost
Tiller: $79/year for spreadsheet-based budgeting

Money-Saving Apps

Cashback and Rewards:

Ibotta: Grocery cashback
Rakuten: Online shopping cashback
Honey: Automatic coupon application
Receipt Hog: Earn points for uploading receipts

Bill Management:

Truebill: Find and cancel subscriptions
Billshark: Negotiate bills on your behalf
Prism: Track and pay bills in one place

Banking Apps for Low-Income Earners

No-Fee Banking:

Chime: No overdraft fees, early direct deposit
Capital One 360: No minimum balance checking
Ally: High-yield checking and savings

Credit Building:

Self: Credit builder loan
Chime Credit Builder: Secured credit card alternative
Capital One Secured: Traditional secured credit card

Common Low-Income Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, these common mistakes can derail low-income budgets:

Mistake #1: All-or-Nothing Thinking

The Problem: Believing you must follow budgeting rules perfectly or not at all. The Solution: Accept that budgeting is a skill that improves with practice. Aim for progress, not perfection.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Small Expenses

The Problem: Focusing only on big expenses while small purchases add up. The Solution: Track everything for one month to identify spending patterns.

Mistake #3: Not Planning for Irregular Expenses

The Problem: Forgetting about annual or seasonal expenses like car registration, holidays, or back-to-school costs. The Solution: Create a separate savings category for irregular expenses.

Mistake #4: Comparing Your Budget to Others

The Problem: Feeling discouraged because your budget looks different from higher-income budgets. The Solution: Focus on your own progress and celebrate small wins.

Mistake #5: Not Adjusting for Life Changes

The Problem: Sticking with a budget that no longer fits your current situation. The Solution: Review and adjust your budget monthly, especially after major life changes.

Building Long-Term Wealth on a Low Income

While immediate financial stability is the priority, it's important to think about long-term wealth building even on a low income:

The Power of Starting Early

Even small investments can grow significantly over time thanks to compound interest:

Example: $25 Monthly Investment

Starting age: 25
Monthly investment: $25
Annual return: 7%
Value at age 65: $65,596
Starting age: 35
Monthly investment: $25
Annual return: 7%
Value at age 65: $30,652

Starting 10 years earlier results in more than double the final amount, despite the same monthly contribution.

Low-Income Investment Options

Employer 401(k) with Matching:

Contribute enough to get full company match
This is free money you can't afford to miss
Even $10-20 per paycheck makes a difference

Roth IRA for Low-Income Earners:

No immediate tax deduction, but tax-free growth
Can withdraw contributions without penalty
Saver's Credit may apply for very low incomes

Low-Cost Index Funds:

Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab offer low-fee funds
Start with broad market index funds
Many have low or no minimum investments

The Saver's Credit

Low-income earners may qualify for the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (Saver's Credit):

2024 Saver's Credit Limits:

Single filers: Up to $34,750 income
Married filing jointly: Up to $69,500 income
Credit amount: 10%, 20%, or 50% of contributions up to $2,000

This credit can provide up to $1,000 back on your tax return for retirement contributions.

Creating Your Personal Low-Income Budget Action Plan

Now that you understand the strategies, let's create your personalized budget action plan:

Step 1: Calculate Your True Income

Monthly After-Tax Income Calculation:

Primary job take-home pay: $______
Side hustles/gig work: $______
Government benefits: $______
Other regular income: $______
Total Monthly Income: $______

Step 2: Track Current Spending

Use this simple tracking method for one week:

Write down every expense, no matter how small
Categorize as Need, Want, or Debt/Savings
Calculate weekly totals and multiply by 4.3 for monthly estimates

Step 3: Choose Your Budget Percentages

Based on your income level and situation:

Very tight budget: 80/15/5 or 75/20/5
Manageable budget: 70/20/10 or 65/25/10
Comfortable low income: 60/25/15 or 50/30/20

Step 4: Set Up Your Budget Categories

Needs Categories:

Housing: $______
Transportation: $______
Food: $______
Utilities: $______
Insurance: $______
Minimum debt payments: $______
Total Needs: $______

Wants Categories:

Entertainment: $______
Dining out: $______
Personal care: $______
Hobbies: $______
Miscellaneous: $______
Total Wants: $______

Savings/Debt Categories:

Emergency fund: $______
Extra debt payments: $______
Retirement: $______
Total Savings/Debt: $______

Step 5: Implement Tracking Systems

Choose your tools:

Budgeting app: ________________
Banking app: ________________
Savings method: ________________
Debt tracking: ________________

Step 6: Plan for Success

Weekly Money Tasks:

Review spending and remaining budget
Check savings and debt progress
Plan upcoming week's expenses

Monthly Money Tasks:

Review and adjust budget categories
Celebrate progress and wins
Plan for next month's goals

Quarterly Money Tasks:

Evaluate overall budget effectiveness
Adjust percentages if needed
Review and update financial goals

Overcoming Common Low-Income Budgeting Challenges

Challenge: Irregular Income

Solutions:

Budget based on lowest monthly income
Create a buffer category for income variations
Build a larger emergency fund faster
Use the envelope method for variable expenses

Challenge: Unexpected Expenses

Solutions:

Start with a $100 mini-emergency fund immediately
Build relationships with local assistance programs
Learn basic repair skills (car, home, clothing)
Keep a list of items you could sell quickly

Challenge: Social Pressure and FOMO

Solutions:

Find free or low-cost social activities
Be honest with friends about budget constraints
Suggest budget-friendly alternatives
Remember that true friends will understand

Challenge: Motivation and Discouragement

Solutions:

Celebrate small wins and progress
Connect with others on similar financial journeys
Focus on how budgeting reduces stress
Track non-monetary improvements (better sleep, less anxiety)

Success Stories: Real People, Real Results

Jessica's Story: Single Mom of Two

Starting Point:

Income: $1,600 monthly
Credit card debt: $3,500
No savings
Living paycheck to paycheck

Strategy:

Implemented 70/20/10 budget
Used food banks to reduce grocery costs
Started $25 monthly emergency fund
Applied for utility assistance

Results After 18 Months:

Emergency fund: $450
Credit card debt: $1,200
Qualified for housing assistance
Children participate in free after-school programs

David's Story: Recent High School Graduate

Starting Point:

Income: $1,200 monthly (part-time retail)
Living with parents
No financial knowledge
Spending everything earned

Strategy:

Started with 50/30/20 budget (living with parents helped)
Opened high-yield savings account
Began investing $50 monthly in Roth IRA
Pursued additional certifications

Results After 2 Years:

Emergency fund: $1,500
Roth IRA: $1,300
Promoted to assistant manager
Moved to own apartment with roommate

Conclusion: Your Path to Financial Stability

Budgeting on a low income isn't about deprivation – it's about making every dollar work as hard as possible toward your goals. The modified 50/30/20 rule provides a flexible framework that can adapt to your unique situation while building toward long-term financial stability.

Remember these key principles:

Start where you are: Perfect budgets don't exist, but workable budgets do
Progress over perfection: Small improvements compound over time
Adapt as needed: Your budget should evolve with your circumstances
Celebrate wins: Acknowledge every milestone, no matter how small
Stay patient: Building financial stability takes time, especially on a low income

The strategies in this guide have helped thousands of people transform their financial lives, starting with incomes as low as minimum wage. Your income doesn't determine your potential for financial success – your commitment to consistent, smart money management does.

Your Next Steps

This week: Calculate your true monthly income and track all expenses
Next week: Choose your budget percentages and set up categories
This month: Implement your budget and track results
Next month: Review, adjust, and celebrate your progress

Remember Maria from the beginning of this article? She implemented these strategies and gradually increased her monthly leftover money from $47 to over $200. She now has a $500 emergency fund and is working toward her goal of returning to school.

Your financial transformation starts with the next dollar you earn. Make it count.

Ready to take control of your finances? Download our free Low-Income Budget Worksheet and start building your personalized budget today. Your future self will thank you for taking this important step.

Helpful Resources:

Government Assistance:

Benefits.gov - Find assistance programs
SNAP Benefits - Food assistance
LIHEAP - Utility assistance

Financial Education:

Khan Academy Personal Finance - Free financial courses
National Endowment for Financial Education - Educational resources
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Financial tools and guides

Budgeting Tools:

Mint - Free comprehensive budgeting
YNAB - Premium budgeting software
EveryDollar - Simple budgeting app

Credit and Banking:

Credit Karma - Free credit monitoring
NerdWallet - Financial product comparisons
Bankrate - Banking and savings rate comparisons