Budgets Quote by George S. Clason
“Budget thy expenses that thou mayest have coins to pay for thy necessities, to pay for thy enjoyments, and to gratify thy worthwhile desires without spending more than nine-tenths of thy earnings.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Richest Man in Babylon, George S. Clason, 1926
Advocates budgeting to keep most earnings for needs, enjoyments, and worthwhile desires, limiting spending to 90% of income.
In simple terms: Budget to keep 90% of earnings for essentials and desires.
Key Takeaway
Spend less than 90% of income.
Themes
financial planning
budgeting
self‑control
Mood
practical
motivational
Type
financial
self‑help
When to use this quote
- monthly budgeting
- saving for goals
- debt avoidance
Key Concepts
personal finance
frugality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you adjust the rule for variable income?
- What is your essential spending?
A Different Perspective
Rigid percentages may not fit all incomes or emergencies.
![“[H]e who spends more than he earns is sowing the winds of needless self indulgence from which he is sure to reap the whirlwinds of trouble and humiliation.” quote by George S. Clason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/21f/george-s-clason-13423_humiliation_h-e-who-spends-more-than-he-earns-is-sow_302594.jpg)
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
![“The only way you can do that [decrease taxes, balance the budget, and increase military spending] is with mirrors…” quote by John B. Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a1d/john-b-anderson-110630_balance_the-only-way-you-can-do-that-decrease-ta_11507.jpg)
