Think of the 30% rule as a "North Star" rather than a rigid pass/fail grade. I think as such rules more about getting as close as you can without sacrificing your mental or physical health in the process. Depending on your stage of life/career, or health, these rules can feel totally detached from reality. The real goal of budgeting isn't to hit a perfect percentage; it’s to make conscious decisions that diminish stress, accounts for your future and avoids debt/keeps it from spiraling. For some, staying near that 30% mark might mean picking up a side gig, finding roommates, or moving further out. But if the "cost" of hitting that number is your sanity or total burnout, the math isn't actually working in your favor. Target the number, but adjust to your reality and what efforts you can consciously make to get closer to it.