Manage your spending by playing the percentages

THE percentage rule is a term that has floated around for some time when it comes to savings, budgeting and managing money. But it may not work for everyone and it often isn't black and white.

- 

We spoke with head of money at smart money app Plum, Rajan Lakhani, and CEO of Marygold & Co, Matthew Parden, to discuss what exactly the percentage rule is.

How effective is it?

Matthew says: "Everyone is unique and has their own financial personality. From a psychological perspective, it's good and a useful tool for some but not for others. For example, there are the confident strategic savers, anxious people, avoiders and spenders. You also have social economic reasons as to why it may not work, depending on what your costs are. There are socioeconomic reasons such as depending on where you are in your career and where you live."

"The good thing about it is it provides a framework," Rajan says. "It gives people a form of discipline.