Managing money can sometimes feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. But don’t worry! Ben Meer has shared a cheat sheet for financial sanity, and I’ve broken it down for you with a sprinkle of humor and some easy-to-follow tips. Let’s dive into these 7 money rules that can make adulting a lot less stressful.

1. The 50/30/20 Budget Rule

Think of this as the Holy Trinity of budgeting. Allocate your income into:

• 50% Needs: Stuff you can’t live without—like food, housing, and, yes, Wi-Fi (because Netflix IS a need).

• 30% Wants: Treat yourself! Go for that latte, but maybe skip the $400 designer sneakers.

• 20% Savings: Emergency fund, debt payments, and future-you goals like retirement.

Stick to this, and you’ll have a solid financial foundation without sacrificing fun.

2. The 1% Rule for Impulse Buys

Here’s the deal: if something costs more than 1% of your annual income, don’t buy it right away. Wait 3 days.

Still want it after 3 days? Go ahead.

Forgot about it? Congrats, you just avoided buying a fancy coffee maker you’ll use twice.

Why it works: Most impulse buys are like exes—you think you need them, but you really don’t.

3. The Rule of 72

Want to double your money? Let math do the work.

Divide 72 by your annual interest rate, and voila! You know how many years it’ll take.

Example: An 8% return = doubling your money every 9 years.

Suddenly, saving becomes a lot more exciting. It’s like planting a money tree—except you actually know when it’ll grow.

4. 401(k) Match Rule

Imagine this: your boss says, “I’ll give you free money for your retirement.” That’s what a 401(k) match is.

Rule: Contribute enough to max out that employer match. It’s free money! Not taking advantage of it is like leaving a free pizza slice on the table—unforgivable.

5. 3X Emergency Fund Rule

Life happens. Cars break down, pets eat random socks, and unexpected bills show up.

To weather these storms, keep 3–6 months of your monthly income in an emergency fund. When the rainy day comes, you’ll be singing in the rain while others scramble for umbrellas.

6. The Rule of Automation

People are lazy. Defaults are powerful. So automate your savings!

• Pay yourself first by setting up automatic transfers to savings.

• Create a system that works even if you forget to.

Ramit Sethi, in his book I Will Teach You To Be Rich, nails it: automate, and you’ll save money without even realizing it. It’s like having a robot butler for your bank account.

7. The Item In, Item Out Rule

Bought something new? Donate, sell, or toss something old.

Why? Minimalism isn’t about owning nothing—it’s about owning what matters. So let your possessions breathe. It’s a dual discipline: manage what comes in AND what goes out. Plus, fewer things = less cleaning. Win-win!

These rules aren’t about deprivation; they’re about making smart choices now so future-you can chill. As Ben Meer says, these rules might one day save you—financially, emotionally, or even physically (because being broke is stressful).

So go ahead, start small, and see the difference these rules can make. And hey, don’t forget to follow Ben Meer for more of his genius tips.

Credits: Big thanks to Ben Meer for the original framework behind these tips. Follow him for more practical advice on managing money and life.

Got any favorite money rules of your own? Share them below—I’m all ears (and wallets)!