The 80 Rule
What is the 80 Rule?
Pay yourself 80% of your average monthly take-home from the last 12 months. In a big month, everything above that goes to work: half to the Vault, a quarter to Growth and a quarter to Reward. In a slow month, the Vault tops you up.
Why 80%?
Because your paycheck is 80% of your average, your months above it outweigh your months below it. Over a year, what’s left after the slow months are covered comes to about 20% of your take-home. That 20% fills the Vault and pays Growth and Reward.
What happens in a long slow stretch?
The Vault covers the gap each month, and the sheet tells you if a month comes up short. The Dashboard shows how many months of paycheck your Vault holds, so you can see a dry spell coming. Fill the Vault first builds it faster after big months.
Can I change the 80% or the split?
Yes. Settings holds your share, your split and your Vault goal. The split must add up to 100%, and Settings tells you when it does.
What’s the Reward?
Money to celebrate a big month, planned ahead. It gets a quarter of your surplus and its own line in your budget, so you can enjoy it without touching your paycheck.
Setup and devices
Does it work in Excel?
Yes. Your download includes a native Excel version for Excel 2016 or newer on Windows or Mac, or the free Excel for the web.
Does it work in Apple Numbers?
No. Use Google Sheets, which is free with a Google account, or Excel 2016 or newer.
Can I use it on my phone?
Yes, for logging checks and spending in the Google Sheets or Excel app. Do the first setup on a computer.
How long does setup take?
About 15 minutes on a computer. The Start Here tab walks you through it. You pick your first month, enter your last 12 months of take-home, then set your budget.
I’m new and don’t have 12 months of pay.
Enter the months you have. Your paycheck averages them and updates as new pay comes in. With under 12 months of history, Fill the Vault first turns on by itself.
Pay and taxes
Does it handle chargebacks, draws and spiffs?
Yes. Each is its own pay type when you log a check, and a chargeback comes off that month’s take-home. Your line of work sets which pay types you see.
What tax rate should I set aside?
You choose it; a tax professional can tell you your number. The sheet holds that share back from 1099 pay, which arrives with no tax withheld.
Is this financial advice?
No. It’s a budgeting tool. It doesn’t pick investments, do your taxes or promise results. Examples and sample numbers are illustrative.
Privacy
Do I link my bank?
No. You type in your checks and spending. Nothing connects to your bank, so there’s no login to share.
Can you see my numbers?
No. Your copy lives in your own Google Drive or on your own computer, and we can’t open it. If you need help, a screenshot with the numbers covered is all we need.
Buying
How do I get it?
Buy on Etsy, then download your files in a web browser, not the Etsy app. You get a PDF with your Google Sheets links, plus the Excel workbooks.
Is it a subscription?
No. One payment. Every v1 owner gets free updates, including the January rollover.
Can I get a refund?
It’s a digital download, so sales are final. If something isn’t working, message us and we’ll make it right.
Which edition should I buy?
The one for your job. Car & Powersports, Real Estate, or Commission Sales for everyone else. It’s the same sheet with a different demo and starting setup, and you can change your line of work in Settings anytime.
Can I share it with my team?
Each purchase covers one person or household. Want it for a team? Email us at support@the80rule.com.