The 50/30/20 rule adapted to Morocco: a worked example in dirhams
Updated 4 November 2026 · by Kenzalo
The 50/30/20 rule puts 50% of your salary towards needs (rent, bills, groceries, transport), 30% towards wants (going out, clothes, leisure) and 20% towards savings. In Morocco it is often more realistic to adapt it, for example to 60/25/15, counting support to family as a need and sinking funds (Eid, back to school) as savings.
The principle
- 50% needs: housing, bills, groceries, transport, health, regular support to family.
- 30% wants: restaurants, cafés, going out, non-essential clothes, entertainment subscriptions.
- 20% savings: emergency fund, goals (home, car), sinking funds (Eid, Ramadan, back to school).
Example with a 10,000 DH salary
Indicative amounts:
| Share | 50/30/20 rule | Adapted 60/25/15 version |
|---|---|---|
| Needs | 5,000 DH | 6,000 DH |
| Wants | 3,000 DH | 2,500 DH |
| Savings and sinking funds | 2,000 DH | 1,500 DH |
Why adapt it to Morocco
In big cities, rent alone can exceed a third of a salary, and many households regularly support their parents. The "needs" share then goes above 50%. What matters is not the exact figure but the principle: decide the split in advance, and protect a share for savings, however small.
From the rule to categories
Once you have chosen your split, break each share down into categories with a limit: groceries, transport and bills for needs; going out and clothes for wants. Then write down your spending every evening to check that you stay within the limits.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 50/30/20 rule work in Morocco?
Yes, as a benchmark, but it is often more realistic to adjust it (for example 60/25/15) when rent or family support weighs heavily. Always keep a share for savings.
Where does support to parents go in the 50/30/20 rule?
If it is regular, count it as a need, like a fixed cost.
How can I apply the 50/30/20 rule easily?
Kenzalo suggests a split of your salary by category as soon as you sign up, which you can adjust, then tracks each category day to day.